Robert L. Sammons, 88, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Sanford Hospice Foundation Cottage in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Westside Chapel (6200 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls.) The family will greet friends for visitation one hour prior to the funeral.

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Robert Lloyd Sammons was born on July 11, 1936, in Wessington, SD to Herbert and Selina (Van De Walle) Sammons. He grew up on the farm with his brother and two sisters.

His formal education started at Sand Creek School, an element of his early childhood he never forgot.  After graduating from Virgil High School in 1954, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as an Aviation Officer.  His military assignments took him from Hawaii to Japan and to Alaska before his honorable discharge in 1958.

Bob met Sheila Schiltz at Virgil High School.   They were married on December 22, 1957, a marriage that lasted 65 years until Sheila's death in December 2022.  The couple had two children, Eric and Erin.

Bob proudly served the people of South Dakota on the South Dakota Highway Patrol from 1966 until his retirement in 1991.  His career was predominantly spent in Aberdeen, with an early career stop in Brandon and later in Mitchell.

Bob had an amazing creative spirit.  His spirit was captured and will live on in the hundreds of carvings and doodles he brought to life.  He left a piece of himself in every work of art.

His creativity was also evident in the ingenious ways he resolved daily issues. He would often repurpose or redesign common household items to better meet his needs.

In the kitchen, Bob had two favorite dishes - chocolate chip cookies and chili!  Both were sought after by everyone who came to visit.  He never used the same recipe twice, but every batch and every bowl was delicious!

More than anything, Bob had a deep appreciation for nature.  In both beauty and in solitude, he marveled in creation.  He searched for calmness in a busy world and would often contemplate life with a cup of cowboy coffee next to his fire pit.  His days at Richmond Lake were often recalled fondly and with a longing to return.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children, Eric (Jennifer) Sammons and Erin (Michael) Hogard; nine wonderful grandchildren; four fabulous great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen King and family; Darlene Holland and family; and brother, Willard Sammons and family.

Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Sheila Sammons; parents, Herbert and Selina Sammons; and sister Helen King.