December 1, 1935 – September 19, 2018
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Obituary for Donald Joe Sample
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Donald Joe Sample, 82, of Patton, MO, left this earth on September 19, 2018, at his home. He was born on December 1, 1935, at Caruthersville, Missouri, the son of Bellfield Sample and Pauline Faust.
Don was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He believed in the importance of family and his faith in Christ. His career included serving as a lithographer, production manager and general plant manager at many printing companies throughout the Midwest. However, his great passion became at the age of 60 becoming a certified EMT. He believed in the importance of serving others. After retiring a second time, he moved to Patton, Missouri to become closer to his children and grandchildren.
In 2017, he began making hand-held crosses and his true mission began. He became known throughout the community as “the cross man.” He gave them to anyone he met along the way. They were made from barnwood, cedar, oak, cherry, walnut, maple and whatever he could find. This was his greatest blessing.
Those left to mourn are his wife of the home JoAnn Caughron Sample of 62 years; daughters Toni Dornseif (Dan), Robin Hicks (Charles) and Linda Sample. Grandchildren include: Christopher Sample (Carlen), Sarah Ponder (Kelly), Alexis Roepe (Kevin), Charles R. Hicks III, and Daniel Dornseif (Chris Sledd). His great-grandchildren include: Daleigh Cairns, Ashlynn Sample, and Lillian Roepe. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sonny, his daughter Tracey Kay and his son Mark Owen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New McKendree United Methodist Church South Campus located in Jackson, Missouri on Highway 25.
A special thank you to Crown Hospice who cared for Don these past four months, Liley Funeral Home for handling the arrangements, and our friends and neighbors in the community who provided kindness, generosity and prayers. Our deepest thanks to each of you.
Don was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He believed in the importance of family and his faith in Christ. His career included serving as a lithographer, production manager and general plant manager at many printing companies throughout the Midwest. However, his great passion became at the age of 60 becoming a certified EMT. He believed in the importance of serving others. After retiring a second time, he moved to Patton, Missouri to become closer to his children and grandchildren.
In 2017, he began making hand-held crosses and his true mission began. He became known throughout the community as “the cross man.” He gave them to anyone he met along the way. They were made from barnwood, cedar, oak, cherry, walnut, maple and whatever he could find. This was his greatest blessing.
Those left to mourn are his wife of the home JoAnn Caughron Sample of 62 years; daughters Toni Dornseif (Dan), Robin Hicks (Charles) and Linda Sample. Grandchildren include: Christopher Sample (Carlen), Sarah Ponder (Kelly), Alexis Roepe (Kevin), Charles R. Hicks III, and Daniel Dornseif (Chris Sledd). His great-grandchildren include: Daleigh Cairns, Ashlynn Sample, and Lillian Roepe. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sonny, his daughter Tracey Kay and his son Mark Owen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New McKendree United Methodist Church South Campus located in Jackson, Missouri on Highway 25.
A special thank you to Crown Hospice who cared for Don these past four months, Liley Funeral Home for handling the arrangements, and our friends and neighbors in the community who provided kindness, generosity and prayers. Our deepest thanks to each of you.
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