Sammie J. Rhoades, 33°
(Apr 13, 1931 – Jun 18, 2021)
Member, Kansas City Lodge #220
Past Master, Kansas City Lodge #220

1961 - 32° Consistory of Western MO, Kansas City
Life Member, Valley of Kansas City
1977 - Knight Commander of the Court of Honour
1989 - Commander, DeMolai Council of Kadosh
1987 - Coroneted 33° Inspector General Honorary
Past Member, Child Language Disorders Clinic

Member, York Rite

Past Lee's Summit City Councilman,
Past Superintendant for the KC Royals & KC Chiefs

Sammie Joe Rhoades, age 90, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away on June 18, 2021, at Wilshire at Lakewood Care Center in Lee’s Summit, MO. Sammie was born on April 13, 1931 in Birdtown, Arkansas. When Sammie was 4 years old, the death of his mother Jennie brought much struggle to his life. He attended Wonderview Arkansas schools. He entered the U.S. Army at the age of 14. After 18 months of service, he was honorably discharged due to being under age.

Sammie and a friend left Arkansas in the fall of 1948, at the age of 17. They arrived in Lee’s Summit, MO with less than $20.00 in their pocket. While dining at a local restaurant, Sammie met a waitress named Maxine Carroll, who would later become his wife of over 69 years.

Sammie entered the Navy and served in the Korean War, attaining the rank of 3rd Class Gunner’s Mate. He sustained injuries during his service when his ship received damage in Japan. He was extremely proud to have served his country and upon arriving home, he continued his dedication to his community. He returned to his job at Oldham’s Sausage Company, where they kept his job waiting for him to return from the War. In the 1970-1980’s Sammie was the Superintendent for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs for over 22 years. He became friends with many famous people during these years and maintained close friendships with many of them. He served on the Lee’s Summit City Council in the 1970s.

During his retirement, he enjoyed several other jobs in Lee’s Summit as a dispatcher for the Police Dept. and Social Services. He Built Housing units in Lee’s Summit, owned and operated many housing units in Englewood and Independence. His service to his country and community continued throughout his life with the Lee’s Summit VFW post 5789. He and his fellow veterans performed Military Honors for over 400 fallen comrades over the years. He attended First Baptist Church of Lee's Summit, and Summit Woods Baptist Church. He was a lifelong Scottish Rite Mason attaining the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite and was a Knight’s Templar of the York Rite.