Donald Sample

PATTON, Mo. -- Donald Joe Sample, 82, of Patton left this earth Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, at his home.

He was born Dec. 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 began at the age of 60, when he became a certified emergency medical technician. He believed in the importance of serving others. After retiring a second time, he moved to Patton 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 barn wood, 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 of 62 years, JoAnn Caughron Sample; and daughters, Toni (Dan) Dornseif, Robin (Charles) Hicks and Linda Sample. Grandchildren include Christopher (Carlen) Sample, Sarah (Kelly) Ponder, Alexis (Kevin) Roepe, 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 at 11 a.m. Oct. 20 at New McKendree United Methodist Church South Campus, located in Jackson 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 friends and neighbors in the community who provided kindness, generosity and prayers. Our deepest thanks to each of you.