Dylan Levi Martinez

Dylan Levi Martinez, 31 years old, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023, at University of Kansas St. Francis campus in Topeka, Kansas. Dylan was born June 4, 1992, in Shawnee Mission, Kansas to Andrew Martinez and Laura Sampson. He was raised in Lawrence, Kansas by his mother Laura Sampson and James Cecil Sampson, whom he considered his father. Dylan was very actively involved with AA/NA as well as the Oxford House community. He was an honor roll student at Washburn University with plans to graduate with a social work degree. He worked for the Topeka Rescue Mission as an assistant manager and front desk employee serving the homeless. Addiction recovery was his passion and he helped start AA meetings at the Topeka Rescue Mission. He absolutely loved his coonhound, Lionel. He had a joy for art and will leave behind his numerous pieces for us to cherish. Dylan's fun, loving, energy shines through Lionel. Dylan was very loved and will be missed terribly.

He was preceded in death by his brother, JC Sampson and his grandmother, Evelyn Lee. His paternal grandparents, Joe and Pat Martinez also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his mother and father, Laura and Cecil Sampson (Lawrence), his sister, Mersadees Sampson (Will), and his brother, Melio Sampson (Raven). He is also survived by Andrew Martinez, his stepsisters, Alexis Otero and Emily Martinez. Other survivors include his grandparents, Perry and Joyce Perkins, his aunt and uncle, Mike and Jesse Perkins, his aunt and uncle Jim and Kim Davis. Also, his grandparents James and Faye Sampson, his uncle Jeremy Sampson, his aunt Jessica Sampson, his aunt and Uncle, Paul and Yolonda Kelker. He has numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who all loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed by his girlfriend, Justise Mongold and her children.

Visitation will be held Friday September 15, 2023, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.

Celebration of Life services will be held by the family on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11:00 am at the North Topeka Baptist Church, 123 NW Gordon Street, Topeka, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donation to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 401 NW Norris St, Topeka, KS 66608.

To share a memory of Dylan or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.