obituariesJanuary 15, 2025

Sam "Sammy" Don King, a cherished family man and dedicated telephone company employee, passed away at 78 in Warrensburg, MO. Known for his humor and warmth, he leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of kindness.

Sam, “Sammy”, Don King

Sam, “Sammy”, Don King, age 78, of Warrensburg, MO, passed away unexpectedly at his home Saturday morning, December 21, 2024. He was born October 25, 1946, in Denton, MO, to Austin and Lillian (Flood) King.

Sammy graduated from Steele High School in 1964 where he was a talented athlete and multi-year letterwinner on the varsity baseball and basketball teams. After graduating high school, he attended both the College of the Ozarks and Memphis State University.

Sammy ultimately went to work for the former United Telephone local telephone company as a field installation services technician in 1966 and remained with the company for his entire professional career until his retirement in 2011. Sammy held many titles and roles in the company over his 45 years, and he sincerely cherished the many people and relationships he developed during his time with the company. Outside of work, a man of many talents, Sammy worked full-time with the phone company in engineering and facilities management, built and renovated several homes, coached numerous youth sports teams, and was an avid gardener and fisherman. He was always a gentleman and had a heartwarming smile for anyone he met. He was a thoughtful family man, and he cherished the memories made with his two sons and grandchildren.

Despite fighting a long battle with COPD disease for the last 6+ years, Sammy never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his entire journey, he continued cracking jokes with everyone he encountered. He had an uncanny ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed.

Sammy is survived by his son, Jon (Erin) King of Jefferson City, his grandchildren Landon King, Elliott King, Molly King, and Erik King, all of Jefferson City; a daughter-in-law, Michelle King of Jefferson City; and a brother, Garry King, of Leachville, Arkansas.

Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Lillian King, two brothers, Charles “Sonny” King and Kenny King; and a son, Christopher Martin King.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Expression of sympathy contributions can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children on behalf of Sam King.

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