Sam McCutcheon, 94, beloved husband, father, and innovator, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Paris, Arkansas leaving a legacy of determination and achievement. Born of humble beginnings in Stidham, Oklahoma, Sam’s early life was marked by resilience as his family moved to California during the Dust Bowl in 1935. His father worked as a hired farm hand, and the family relocated frequently according to the crop seasons, eventually settling in the San Joaquin Valley of California.
He graduated from Ceres High School in 1949, serving as President of his class and participating in track & field as a hurdler, as well as the Marching Band playing the Sousaphone. Upon graduation, his father secured him a job at a parts store, but Sam aspired to pursue higher education and set his sights on college.
Sam joined the Air Force weather service, spending most of his time during the Korean War in Fairbanks, Alaska. He flew weather missions up to the North Pole and enjoyed sharing stories about “flying around the world in 2 minutes!” After his honorable discharge, he used the G.I. Bill to attend California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and was later recognized as an Honored Alumni by the Engineering school.
After working for various electronic firms, Sam founded his own company, Autek Systems, in Silicon Valley (Sunnyvale). He quickly became one of the top 10 leaders in the U.S. in Testing Systems, acquiring over 30 patents. His innovative systems served the US Government and NASA, marking him as a pioneer in his field.
He met Dr. Lee Lane, who worked in the same industry, and they were married on May 30th, 1987. Together, they raised a blended family of eight children. Sam and Lee made their home in Coronado, working together in San Diego alongside Sam’s oldest son, Dan McCutcheon, until their retirement.
Airplanes were Sam’s lifelong passion. When not working, he was flying—often taking his family on vacations that revolved around airports. He never met an engine that didn’t fascinate him, and he loved sharing his technical knowledge with others. Sam held rankings for many aircraft types, including jets and seaplanes, and from his early 30s into his 60s, always owned and flew his own airplane. He taught two sons and a daughter to fly, and inspired his stepson, David Lane, to become a professional pilot with the Marines and later with UPS. While in San Diego, Sam became president of the Experimental Aircraft Association (E.A.A.).
In retirement, Sam and Lee moved back to Lee’s hometown of Paris, Arkansas. Sam continued to blend his engineering expertise with his love for aviation, continually designing his own airplane. Even as dementia took away some of his brilliance, he remained kind-hearted and generous, cherished by all who knew him. He is greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dr. Lillie Lee Lane of (Paris, AR), his children; Jan Stewart (husband Richard) of San Ramon, CA, Marlene Hogge (husband Steve deceased) of Arroyo Grande, CA, Carol Aguilar (husband Luis) of Los Gatos, CA, Daniel McCutcheon (wife Brenda) of San Diego, CA, David McCutcheon (wife Karen) of San Jose, CA, Robert McCutcheon (wife Elsa) of Fremont, CA, David Lane (wife Hannah) of Carlsbad, CA and Alan Lane (wife Terri) of Fayetteville, AR; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on what would have been his 95th birthday, June 29, 2026 at the First Christian Church in Paris, AR.
