A lifelong Houstonian, Sam was born on September 17th, 1939 to Sam Lee DeForke and Anna Marino DeForke. After graduating from John H. Reagan High School in 1958, he enlisted in the United States Army and served proudly for three years. When his tour of duty ended, he joined the Houston Fire Department and retired, as an Engineer/Operator (Chauffer), after thirty-eight and a half years of distinguished service. As a firefighter, Sam spent most of his time at stations on the North and Northwest side of Houston such as Old Station 5 and Stations 15, 67, and 74. He also worked out of Old Station 1 for a time. While in the fire department, he also worked part time at Sears in shipping and receiving for over thirty years.
His parents and younger brothers, James T. Pickle and Jeff Pickle, preceded him in death. Sam is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Treva Jo DeForke, his brother Anthony Joseph DeForke, his children, Michael (Josephine) Lee DeForke and Gina (Mark) Marie Iiams, his grandchildren, Samuel John DeForke, Anna Jeanette DeForke, Elizabeth Marie DeForke, Sarah Michelle DeForke, David (Katie) Allen Iiams, Rebecca (Christian) Ann Szymanski , Kimberly (Jonathon) Ruth Wendel, seven great grandchildren, and numerous stepchildren, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Freeway Houston, Tx 77060, on 5/19/2024 from 3pm to 6pm with a rosary starting at 5pm. A Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 6646 Addicks Satsuma, Houston, Tx. 77084 on 5/20/2024 at 11am. Interment will occur at 3pm at Earthman Resthaven.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0