Sammy Funkhouser

(From Parker Mortuary)

Sammy Richard Funkhouser, age 69, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Communities of Wildwood Ranch.

Sammy was born April 17, 1951 in Joplin, son of the late Andrew Jackson Funkhouser and Allena M. Herron Funkhouser. He attended Washington School, and graduated from Memorial High School before attending Missouri Southern State University. He worked most recently at General Mills of Joplin.

Sammy was a gifted musician, and played keyboards for several local bands, including Don Shipps and the Titanic Blues, and the most recently the ABS Band. He enjoyed traveling with the bands, and was also active in his church, Unity Missionary Baptist Church of Joplin, where he served as the pianist for over 45 years.

In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by a sister, Flora Ganaway.

Survivors include his children, Richard Funkhouser, Brandon Funkhouser, and Kaylee Funkhouser all of Joplin; brother, Andrew Funkhouser and wife Janette of Houston, Texas; several grandchildren, and one great-grandson; one niece and two nephews.

Funeral service will be Friday, November 13, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Unity Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Rufus Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Ron Bonner, Eric Colbert, Ed Covey, Ralph James, and James West serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Unity Missionary Baptist Church.