Donald Lee Sams, age 85, of Charleston, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Born November 12, 1940, at Wyatt, Missouri to the late Raymond Hershel Sams and Margaret Louise Fields Sams, Donnie as he was known to all, was a 1958 graduate of Charleston High School and had lived in Mississippi County his entire life. In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Army and served until he was honorably discharged in 1965. Donnie was never afraid of hard work. At a young age he started a lifelong career in television and electronic repair. After his service to his country, he returned to Charleston and opened his own shop known as Sams TV Repair Shop. He later built from scratch the Sams Campground Area and operated that for a number of years.

Donnie loved Charleston and was a former city councilman. He was a collector of Charleston memorabilia and loved getting pictures and other items returned to families, perhaps that had lost loved ones and the photos had never been seen.

On December 27, 1962, he married Norma O’Reilly, and she survives of the home.

Also surviving is their son, Jeffery S. Sams; grandchildren, Riley, Zach and Jason; several great grandchildren, as well as a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jay Dee Sams and his siblings, Bernice Pullen, Billy Sams, Norma Faye McConnell and Allen Sams.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. The Rev. James Halkis, pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in Charleston, will officiate.

Interment with full military honors will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests memorials be made to the Charleston City Dog Pound, c/o Charleston Animal Health Center, 1225 East Marshall Street, Charleston, MO 63834 or by calling 573-683-4445.