Warren L. "Butch" Sampson

Warren L. Sampson, 65, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at 2:22 p.m. at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, IN. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360 is handling arrangements.

He was born November 24, 1960 in Valparaiso, IN to the late Warren L. and Gertrude M. (Thielbar) Sampson.

Surviving are his sister, Toni (Nicholas) Griswold of La Porte, IN; and niece, Amanda Francis of Valparaiso, IN. He was preceded in death by his father, Warren L. Sampson, Sr.; and mother, Gertrude M. Sampson.

Warren graduated from Rogers High School in Michigan City. It was there that he discovered his true calling and passion for theater. He later became very involved in the drama department at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where he shared his love of the stage and the arts. One year he made it all the way to the Illinois state competition.

Throughout his life, Warren remained deeply connected to the theater community. In his younger years he was involved with local theaters in Michigan City and Long Beach before later becoming active in the Chicago theater scene. Warren was a creative and versatile talent who enjoyed every aspect of production, from acting and costume design to directing and writing. He loved the collaborative nature of theater and valued the friendships and memories formed through those experiences.

Warren had a wide circle of friends who affectionately knew him as “Butch.” Outside of theater, he enjoyed reading and had a strong appreciation for literature and storytelling. He also loved to travel and explore new places, always appreciating the culture, people, and experiences he encountered along the way. Warren valued meaningful conversations, laughter with friends, and the simple enjoyment of sharing time with those closest to him.

Contributions may be made to Give Kids the World, 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

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