Former Police Chief Had Long Career

A former Farmington police chief died June 22, 2016, at his home in Lincoln.

Sammy LeRoy Holcomb, 69, was born September 11, 1946, in Eureka Springs, the son of Herbert and Geneva Townsend Holcomb.

Holcomb began his law enforcement career at Farmington Police Department and then left to work for several other departments, including Pea Ridge and Johnson. He returned to Farmington in March 1995 and served as police chief from July 2001 to July 2005.

From Farmington, Holcomb worked for the Washington County Sheriff's Office. He retired from the Sheriff's Office as a corporal in the Detention Center in July 2009.

In all, Holcomb had about 25 years of law enforcement experience, according to Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Along with his law enforcement career, Holcomb also served in the National Guard.

Mayor Ernie Penn was serving his first term as mayor during part of Holcomb's career in Farmington.

"He spent his entire life in law enforcement," Penn said. "He was dedicated to providing good law enforcement services for the towns he worked in and he was well respected by his peers."

Former Farmington police Chief Mort Marshall said Holcomb taught many law enforcement classes and helped to train a lot of officers.

"He was referred to as one of the old-school officers and a lot of officers looked up to him," said Marshall. "He was a big asset to the community of Farmington and he'll certainly be missed."

Holcomb's wife, Leshia Shreve Holcomb, said law enforcement was his life.

"He never met a stranger and always put anybody first before himself," Leshia said. "He'll be really missed and was loved."

Holcomb was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Leshia Shreve Holcomb; his stepchildren, Michael and Melinda Hillian of Prairie Grove and Bobby and Maegan Shreve of Farmington; four grandchildren, Chloe Hillian, Noah Hillian, Kalleigh Jo Shreve and Kenleigh Shreve.

A funeral service was held Monday, June 27, 2016, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove. To sign the online guest book, go to www.luginbuel.com