Samuel Oscar Sadler, 68, a retired colonel and pilot who retired from the Air Force in 1978 and then was a salesman in the Washington region, died May 30, 2001, at the Veterans Affairs rehabilitation center in Baltimore. He had Alzheimer's disease.

Colonel Sadler, who lived in Grasonville, Maryland, worked for the Telesphere accounting systems company and the Artisan printing company before retiring from sales work in the early 1990s.

He was a native of Parsons, Kansas, and a graduate of Wichita State University. He received a master's degree in business administration from George Washington University.

He served during the Vietnam War as a special missions command pilot and was also posted to Guam during his career. He retired as a special missions pilot flying VIPs out of Andrews Air Force Base.

His honors included two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 Air Medals and a Navy Commendation Medal.

He was a basketball, football and baseball coach for the Camp Springs Boys Club and a member of the Retired Officers Association.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Eleanor Sadler of Grasonville; four children, John K. Sadler of Eldersburg, Md., Karen A. Mauro of Bowie, Mark D. Sadler of Owings and Alan J. Sadler of Frederick; a sister; a stepbrother; and seven grandchildren.

 On Wednesday, May 30, 2001, the beloved husband of Eleanor A. Sadler; father of John K., Mark D. and Alan J. Sadler and Karen A. Mauro; stepson of Mae Sadler; brother of Elizabeth Duddlesten; stepbrother of Brad Sadler and Lynn Hall. Also survived by seven grandchildren. Interment Thursday, June 7 at 10 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Central Maryland Chapter, 1850 York Rd., Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093.

Air Medal (11)