Sammy Joe Parker Sr. 69, of Union, passed away, Friday, September 1, 2023, in the comforting presence of his loving family.

On October 13, 1953, Sammy was born to the union of Sonny Parker and Naomi (Garrison) in St. Louis, Missouri.

Sammy was a hardworking man and provider for his family. At a young age, Sammy began working with his father in the tree trimming and landscape business, "Parker and Son Tree Service". Sammy would go on to continue the business all the way to his retirement.

He was united in marriage to Patricia "Trish" (Pauble) on February 1, 1980, in Valley Park, Missouri.

Over the course of his life, Sammy was a member of many churches and along the way became an ordained minister himself. Most recently he was a member of the Mercy Ministries Church in St. Clair.

Sammy had many hobbies, in his years, Sammy had served as a Boy scout Leader as well as a Baseball coach. He was talented pool player, earning him the nickname, "Slammin Sammy". Probably his favorite sport to play was Wiffle ball. His family describes him as "the world's best storyteller". Even though Sammy worked his entire life outdoors he very much enjoyed relaxing outdoors too, whether he was camping or fishing. Most of all, Sammy was a family man and loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was and is still truly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sonny and Naomi Parker; one sister, Linda Knight; as well as a few nieces and nephews.

Sammy is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Trish Parker of Union; one son, Sammy Joe Parker Jr. and wife Christal Parker of Washington; five daughters, Paula Parker and fiancé Cody Dierker of Union, Michelle Parker and fiancé Brian Lester of Robertsville, Tosha Parker and fiancé Jeff Arnold of Union, Hanna Parker of Union and Natalie Parker of Union; three brothers, Greg Parker and wife Kay of St. Clair, Ronnie Parker and wife Laurel of Villa Ridge and Billy Parker of Pacific; four sisters, Brenda Jenkins of Washington, Judy Gustafson of Washington, Joyce Lemay and husband Todd of St. Clair and Karen Walton of Pacific; life-long friend and cousin, Alan Garrison and wife Tina of Beaufort; seven grandchildren, Mackenzie, Aliza, Jay, Lyric, Noah, Leevi and Vinny; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Donations are appreciated to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association.