Sam McFarland

Deaths and Funerals

Austin American-Statesman - Wednesday, June 21, 1989

Samuel (Sam) Robert McFarland

     Samuel (Sam) Robert McFarland, son of James Dorr and Phyllis McFarland of Austin, died in a Washington, DC hospItal, June 19, 1989.

     He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Aldridge McFarland; daughter, Molly Carol; and son, Joel Dorr, who live in Alexandria, Virginia; brother, James Dorr, Jr. of Torrance, California; and by his parents who live In Austin.

     Sam grew up in Austin where he attended the public schools and the University of Texas. He was a gifted artist. He also had the desire to do something for handicapped people. At the University of Texas, he majored in zoology and took courses in art and engineering for one degree, then went to Texas Tech University where he obtained an MS degree in mechanical engineering.

     His first professional work was at Southwest Research Institute at San Antonio, Texas, where he remained for 17 years, doing research in a variety of areas. When he left Southwest Research Institute, he was director of a rehabilitation engineering center. It was one of the four or five centers in the United States.

     He joined the staff of the National Rehabilitation Hospital In Washington, DC in December 1985 as director of Rehabilitation Engineering. The family joined him in 1985 and made their home in Alexandria, Virginia.

     He was gifted with a beautiful voice that he shared with several choirs in his church in Austin, San Antonio and Alexandria.

     He was active in writing or illustrating numerous articles and books on rehabilitation engineering subjects.

     Best of all, he was a proud father, a loving husband, and a friend of many, many people.

     Memorial services, 11:00 AM, Friday, June 23rd at Wilshire Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas. Private burial at 1:30 PM in Austin Memorial Park.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Samuel R. McFarland Memorial Fund at Wilshire Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas.

     The family will receive visitors at Weed-Corley Funeral Home, Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

     Arrangements by Weed-Corley Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar. 452-8811.