Richard M. Sammons, age 79, of Sammonsville, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2020, at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady.
He was born on April 26, 1941, in Gloversville, a son of the late Clyde and Eleanor Barter Sammons.
Mr. Sammons was a graduate of Johnstown High School and SUNY Morrisville. He was a career dairy farmer who owned and operated Stoncree Farms with his family. Richard was a member of the NYS Holstein Association and Otsego-Herkimer-Montgomery (OHM) Holstein Club for 65 years and served as a Director for several years. He was also a member of NYS Farm Bureau and a leader of the Fulton County 4-H Club, Valley Builders.
He is survived by his son, Garritt R. Sammons (Ann) and their children Rachel Hidde (Seth) and Clyde Sammons; great-granddaughter, Elora Hidde; his daughter, Tracy S. Watterson (Brent) and their daughter Taylre; and his son-in-law, William F. Knowlton and his children Cody Knowlton and Cassey Knowlton; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many longtime friends.
Richard was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Putman Sammons, whom he married on July 1, 1961, and who passed on July 20, 2013; and his daughter, Kelly S. Knowlton, who passed on October 1, 2015. He was also predeceased by his brother, Victor Sammons.
Richard took great pride in the years of hard work and devotion that he and his wife, Nancy, gave to establishing and operating their farm. During their time together, they grew their family farm to over 1,000 acres of property in Sammonsville and were proud to have their children return to the farm after graduating from Cornell University to work alongside them. He and Nancy also exhibited dairy cattle for many years at the Fonda Fair, and they took great joy in watching their children and grandchildren continue that tradition. His love for his family was evident to anyone who knew him, and he instilled in all of them an awareness that he felt truly blessed by the family he and Nancy were given.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020, at the Barter & Donnan Funeral Home, 1 N. Melcher Street, Johnstown, with the Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams officiating.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, November 5, 2020, from 6 . to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda immediately following the funeral service.
Contributions in Mr. Sammons’ memory may be made to the OHM Holstein Club, c/o Farm Credit Services, 7397 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, New York 13326.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com.
