Sammy Sturgess son of the late Murray Lee Sturges and Jessie Mullins Sturges was born on August 22, 1932 in Dover, Arkansas and departed this life on August 17, 2020 at his residence in Dexter at the age of 87.

Mr. Sturgess was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the Dexter Church of Christ.  While he held different jobs throughout his life, he was a country boy at heart and was always farming in some way.  He worked at Standard Oil and Bootheel Petroleum, he passed the realtor’s test and became a licensed real estate agent.  Sammy retired from Arvin at the age of 75.  Sammy cherished the relationships he developed in the Air Force and while at Arvin, developing bonds that would last a life-time.  In 1987 he and Sue started Trinkets & Treasures in Dexter.

On October 11, 1957 he was united in marriage to Sue White in Dexter, Missouri.  Mrs. Sturgess preceded him in death on April 23, 2015.

He is survived by one son, Doug Sturgess and wife Kathy of Sikeston, Missouri; by three daughters, Deborah Sturgess of Dexter, Missouri, Dana Frazier and husband Mark of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, and Dr. Susan Lucktong and husband Dr. Ek of Mooresville, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Hannah Oxenford and husband Leland, Haley Knicely and husband Taylor, Sammy Lucktong, Savannah Lucktong, Jennifer Scism and Michael Scism; and by four great-grandchildren, Connor, Ivy, Harrison and Lily.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Danny Sturgess; by one brother, Rollan Sturges and by two sisters, Christine Demaree and Helen Jackson.

A private funeral service will be conducted and will include full military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Preferred Hospice, 423 Business Highway 60 West Box 99, Dexter, Missouri 63841 or to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting the family with all arrangements.