MSGT Samuel Alex Dement, Jr. USAF (Ret.), age 92 of San Antonio, Texas passed away on July 15, 2023.  He was born on April 25, 1931.

Sam grew up in San Antonio, Texas, attending Brackenridge High School Class of 1949. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a cinematographer, motion picture cameraman, director, and film editor for 20 years retiring as a Master Sergeant. During his time in the USAF, he was stationed in Jupiter, Florida; Wiesbaden, Germany; and Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. While stationed in Germany during the 1950's, he traveled to most European countries filming with the 1363rd Photographic Group. He served two tours of duty with the AF School of Aviation, Aerospace Medical Division and one tour of duty in Vietnam (1967-1968).

Shortly after his retirement from the Air Force he was recruited as the Director of Television Production Services for The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he retired after 24 years.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years Colleen Petty Dement, his parents Samuel A. and Fay Dement along with his sister Dora Deane O'Brien.

Sam is survived by his daughter Dorothy Merkelz, son-in-law Arthur Merkelz, and cousin Fred Elsner. Sam was an avid golfer, boatsman, and an absolute friend to all he met.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (www.stjude.org), or Shriners Hospital for Children on their website (www.lovetotherescue.org)

The family would like to extend their gratitude for his care at The Haven in Stone Oak, Anchorage Hospice, Inc., and The Neptune Society.

Graveside services and interment will be held October 19, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with Military Honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 with the luncheon to follow immediately afterward.