Sammy W. McMullen, age 69, of State Center, Iowa, died at his home on Saturday, June 28, 2014.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada, Iowa. Pastor Brent DeSilva officiated the service, with burial in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Born January 10, 1945, at home in Osgood, Missouri, Sammy Widner McMullen was one of nine children born to LaVerne Widner and Josie Kathryn (Smith) McMullen. He moved as a very young child to Story County where he lived the rest of his life.
On September 10, 1962, Sammy married Mary Lee Buckoltz in Nevada. The couple lived in the Roland and Zearing area and raised four children, David, Samantha, Slade, and Curtis.
Sammy worked in agriculture for 19 years. He built and maintained Dick Sparrow's 40-horse hitch shell wagon and was an integral part of the Belgian horses' care and upkeep. He drove truck on and off for 50 years, and was a line haul driver for the United States Postal Service from 2012-14. Sammy will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his mechanical ability, and his love for tinkering in his shop. He raised English bulldogs and also enjoyed woodworking and gardening.
Survivors include four children, David L. McMullen of Creston, Samantha Marie Fry of Creston, Slade D.L. McMullen of Hubbard, and Curtis McMullen and fiancée Shannon Gilleland of Pleasant Hill; 18 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; his special friend, Judy White-Rose of State Center; a brother, Bennie (Wanda) McMullen of Colo; two sisters, Dixie (Lennie) Carkhuff of Laurel, and Lyletta Jo (Royce) Linder of State Center; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Mary, in 2007; his parents; two brothers, Lester McMullen, and an infant brother; and three sisters, Teddy Jean McMullen, Osa May McMullen, and Kathryn Ringgenberg.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada was entrusted with the care of Sammy and his family.