Samuel Gene Breitling

June 9, 1945 ~ April 15, 2021 Samuel Gene Breitling of Kingwood, Texas passed away April 15, 2021 after reaching the age of 75 years old.  After a brief battle with cancer, he died in Houston, Texas with his beloved wife of 52 years JoAnn by his side. Sam was born on June 9, 1945 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  He grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1964.  After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and later the U.S. Marine Corps, serving proudly for four years during the Vietnam War.  Following his discharge, he graduated college from Abilene Christian University.  Sam was a police officer with the Dallas Police Department for 33 years before retiring in 2002.  He was a longtime resident of Sachse, Texas.  His entire life was centered on his Catholic faith and deep love of the Lord.  At the time of his death, he was a parishioner at St. Martha Catholic Church in Porter, Texas. Sam is survived by his wife, JoAnn Breitling; six daughters, Gina Horton of Rowlett, Texas, Annie Breitling and spouse Jerry Walker of Garland, Texas, Mary Limbaugh and spouse Todd of Kingwood, Texas, Elaina Love spouse David of West Lafayette, Indiana, Brooke Flores and spouse Salvatore of Spring, Texas, and Lucy Erwin and spouse Ricky of Spring, Texas; a son, Matthew Breitling of Kingwood, Texas; a brother, David Breitling and spouse Dot; two sisters, Jodie Porter and Dorthey Breitling; and 19 grandchildren, Eric Horton, John Horton, Brittanie Scontrino, Andrew Scontrino, Samuel Scontrino, Hailey Scontrino, Summer Scontrino, Alex Walker, Lane Limbaugh, Luke Limbaugh, Liam Limbaugh, Ella Love, Edwin Love, Eli Love, Anthony Flores, Benjamin Flores, Leo Erwin, Elise Erwin, and Hank Erwin.  He is preceded in death by his father, Samuel Martinez; mother, Dorthey Breitling; and brothers, John Breitling and Thomas Breitling. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30am, Friday April 23, 2021 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, TX 77365.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to ThisIsHouston (www.this-is-houston.org).