Sam

Sam Stricklin entered this world near Dexter on March 1, 2014, for the sole purpose of becoming the center of the universe for his human parents, Tony and Ginger.

A yellow Lab with a reddish tint, he walked away from his fur mom on May 9, 2014. He proceeded to sit on Tony’s right foot, tug on the leg of his blue jeans and then chew on his shoestrings. He then leaned his weight against Tony’s leg, looked up with the prettiest emerald colored eyes and the deal was sealed.

Ginger, being a picky housekeeper, said there was not going to be a dog in the house. So Sam resided on the sunporch in rural Sikeston for a bit. Fast forward to spring thunderstorms and Sam is now in the house because he doesn’t like thunder. And then it’s too hot to be on the sunporch during the heat of summer. And well, guess who now is on the couch watching TV with a room furnished with an Isotonic memory foam mattress, personalized food and water bowls and a plethora of treats and squeaky toys? Sam never met a squeaky toy that he couldn’t gut within an hour.

He was a volunteer employee from 2014 until 2023 with the Sikeston Special Road District. He rode alongside Tony in the grader and the snow plow. When Tony would ride the roads looking for potholes and downed street signs, Sam would let him know every home of dogs in the area by barking at each of their houses. He had them all memorized and never failed to acknowledge each and every one.

On his days off from work, he rode on the back of a four wheeler, navigating the route and the time spent on each trip.

A loyal friend and companion, he tracked numerous deer for friends and family. With a light on his collar and a fluorescent orange hunting vest, he could be seen in the darkness of the woods zigzagging his way on the trail. The light would eventually stop and he would be awaiting with a smile for the, “Way to go, buddy. You found Daddy’s deer.”

On February 1, 2017, the hills of Zalma became his new home. He would walk many, many miles with Ginger. With his abounding curiosity and energy, he got her whooped into shape and dictated when to start and when to stop. As time passed, he was unable to walk very far because of arthritis. He would patiently wait on the front porch to make sure she made it home and didn’t fudge on the route.

Eventually, a side by side became his new mode of transportation. Neighbors would always know when he was going for his many rides with Tony because he would announce them with a happy bark the entirety of the route.

After a courageous battle with arthritis, Sam’s physical body departed October 5, 2026, with Tony and Ginger by his side. His spirit lives on through his undying love and unforgettable joy he brought not only to Tony and Ginger, but to everyone he met. He was loved by all and will be missed forever.

McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston was in charge of final arrangements.

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