Sam Barling, age 93, was born in Tolstoy, South Dakota on April 6, 1915 to Mary (Mertz) and Andrew Barling and passed away June 25, 2008 in Shafter. Sam came from a family of 9 children. The family moved from South Dakota to Lodi, California, and then in 1924 the family moved to Shafter in the Maple area. The farm was sold and the family moved to Wasco and continued to farm. Sam was a dedicated farmer with his dad and brother Dan for over 60 years. They owned and managed Barling Bros. Farms in Wasco. He went to work for the Semi Tropic Water District and retired in 1982, serving as general manager from 1972 to 1982. Proceeding Sam in death were, his wife, Zelma Barling; parents, Mary and Andrew Barling; brothers, Dan and Harley Barling; sisters, Mildred Barling Honea, Florence Barling Kirschenmann, Ellen Barling Evans, and Lillian Barling Shell. He is survived by his son, Andrew Barling (Carol) of Bakersfield; step-daughter, Kathy Kos (Alex) of Germany; 2 sisters, Venice Barling Smith of Anaheim and Helen Barling Paslay Gafner (Roy) of Wasco; 3 grandchildren, Anja Albosta, Greta Auf de Mauer, and Heather Barling; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A graveside service will be held Monday, June 30 at 10 am at Shafter Memorial Park. Pastor George Fraser will officiate the service and Wasco-Shafter Elks will conduct the fraternal rites and interment will follow. A reception will be held after the service at the Wasco-Shafter Elks Lodge. Donations in Sam's name may be made to the Elks Major Project, Inc, in care of, Elks Lodge #2419, P.O. Box 824, Wasco, CA 93280, or the charity of your choice.