JD Sample

JD Sample, resident of Shawnee, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was 66 years old. JD was born on September 28, 1959 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Gerald Sample and Donna Beal.

McDonald’s was known as JD’s McDonald’s during the years of 1985-1995. When he was short staffed he would rely on family to help. He and his family had many good times working there together in the 90’s. He worked at Indaco Metals starting as a loader and moved up to the buyer in the late 90’s to 2006. Then he worked for the City of Shawnee until he retired as the Lab Technician. JD was often the person they reached out to with questions about the system and he would tell them what he would do to fix it. After retirement, JD worked part-time for Walmart and within two months of his employment with Walmart he was the Associate of the month.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, papa, brother, and friend. Everyone knows how much he spoiled his KJ. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything. He loved his burgundy 1962 Impala, ZZ Top, and later in life, country music and his country rap.

JD will be missed deeply by his wife of 23 years, Karla; bonus mom, Doris; children, Jamey, Kenny and wife Kristy, Steven and wife Cissili, Stefani, Angel, Matt, Zach, and Harley; grandchildren, Samantha, Brice, Maddi, Ethan, Kenlee, Katee, Karter, Luna, Jada, Conner, Journey, Duncan, Olivar, Zeplin, and Ellowyn; brother, Jeff Beal; Aunt Leeta and husband Steve; three bonus sons, Justin, Jared and Chris; two bonus sisters, Addie & Faith; two bonus brothers, Quinton & Stacey; his dog, Russell; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

JD was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Beal and bonus dad, James Beal; father, Gerald Sample; brothers, Kenneth Sample and Michael Beal; and grandmas, Lawassa Harshaw-Jones and Audra Moore.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Riley-Walker Funeral Service on Thursday, August 20th from 1-5pm and on Friday, August 21st from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm with family present to greet friends from 5-7pm. A funeral ceremony for JD will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Sharon Baptist Church with Clint Dawkins officiating. Following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest at Johnson Cemetery.