Sam L. Parks

Sunday September 27, 2020, COVID 19 took the life of Sammie Lee Parks at the Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Sam was born on July 4, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri to Herman “Red” Parks and Ruby (Williams) Parks.  Moving back to Poplar Bluff he attended school and graduated in 1966.  After graduation, he proudly served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era.  Returning home, he attended Three Rivers Community College and later worked for Lawrence Stucker, The Corps of Engineers out of Jackson, Missouri and then began the job he had always wanted with the Poplar Bluff Fire Department.  He loved the job and the men he worked with for over 20 years. Sam retired as Assistant Fire Chief in 2003.

He was active in Poplar Bluff Community Development and worked on all 4th of July activities and BINGO.  He was also involved with American Cancer Society.

On September 28, 2000, he married Wilma Case Parks in Paragould, Arkansas.

Also surviving are a son Joe Parks and a daughter Laurie Burkhead of Poplar Bluff.  Three stepchildren Cindy Johnson (Gary), Terri Hendricks (Doug) and Freddie Case (Heather).  Ten grandchildren, Chelsea Carter, Chase Parks, Emilie Burkhead, Owen Burkhead, Casey Ward, Brian Case, Ally Hendricks, Emily McGinty, Conner Hendricks, and Gabby McGinty.  And four great grandchildren, two brothers Dennis Parks and Robert Parks of Poplar Bluff and a stepmother, Lana Parks.  His Aunt Carol Cundiff of Peyson, Arizona and his special friend James “Pat” Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tom Parks and a special friend Kenneth Morris.

The family would like to express thanks to all the family at the Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau and especially a special angel Roxie Tilman.

A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery with Bill Turner officiating.

Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Organization or Parkinson’s Foundation.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Sam L. Parks.