Sammy Allen “Sam” Brock, 82, of Festus died Feb. 25, 2025. Mr. Brock was a martial arts instructor and HVAC business owner. He started his life in a small rural town where he lived in poverty until age 17, when he joined the Navy. He was stationed in Japan, where he learned martial arts and finished his schooling. After being discharged and moving back to St. Louis, he met and married Karen. Together, throughout their life, they opened a martial arts studio, a real estate agency, and an HVAC company, spending 57 years growing children and their business. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his hard work, generosity and good character, often lending a helping hand to those in need. Born June 26, 1942, in Lilbourn, he was the son of the late James Allen Brock and Syble Rene Millard.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years: Karen (Allen) Brock; three children: Kevin (Ildi) Brock, Kim (Jerry) Ewing and Keith (Ana) Brock; and seven grandchildren: Sabrea, Brock, Andrew, Mirabella, Alex, Evie and Zoe who knew him as “Papaw.”
He was preceded in death by two sisters: Syble and Phyllis.
Visitation is scheduled 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Ave., in Festus. A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, March 10, in the National Cemetery in Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or stjude.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.