Sammy (Sam) E. McCroskey

Sammy (Sam) E. McCroskey born March 27, 1941, died May 31, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Angeline Greenwade McCroskey, son Matthew McCroskey, daughter Amanda McCroskey, granddaughters Tinsley Goodson and Eloisa McCroskey.
McCroskey was preceded in death by his parents, Alden and Opal (Kerr) McCroskey and by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Florence (Staley) Greenwade, whom he loved dearly.
McCroskey grew up on a dairy farm east of Republic. He helped his parents, Alden and Opal, by milking everyday while going to Southwest Missouri State. While in college, his Ag Econ Professor, Dr. J.N. Smith encouraged him to go to the University of Missouri to obtain his
Masters degree. McCroskey was fortunate enough to have Dr. Stephen Whitted as an advisor and mentor to guide him through his graduate program and beyond. From there he went to St. Louis to work for the Federal Milk Market Administrator. After three years, Gary Hanman hired Sam to work for Mid-America Dairymen in Springfield, which eventually became Dairy Farmers of America, the largest dairy marketing cooperative in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. While at Mid Am, he worked in the Southern Division for Wm. H. (Bill) Johnson, who was his supervisor, mentor, and friend for many years. In the Southern Division, he worked with the dairy farmer owners as manager of fluid milk marketing and member services and then he was promoted to vice president of member relations and administration. In 1986, Sam was chosen to succeed Bill as vice president and general manager of Southern Division. As his career progressed, Gary Hanman continued to increase McCroskey’s responsibilities and afforded him many opportunities at DFA. At the time of his retirement, he was president of the Dairy Food Products Group and was responsible for the manufacture and sale of all DFA’s commercial products. It was fitting after he began on a dairy farm and spent 35 years in the Dairy Cooperative business working with many wonderful people that the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors would recognize his body of work with the 2006 Dairy Leadership Award. During retirement, McCroskey enjoyed life at their country home in Vanzant, on the banks of the North Fork of White River and most importantly, spending time with his granddaughters. McCroskey requested there be no formal visitation or funeral service. Contributions in his honor may be sent to Wesley Cemetery, PO Box 548, Willard, MO 65781, for cemetery upkeep and the many generations of family buried there.