Samuel "Sam" Sumner

I just found out about Sam. My name is Tom Divis from St. Louis Missouri. Sam used to coach myself and another friend of mine Matthew Weiss. Both of us went to Lindenwood University in St. Charles. Sam volunteered his time to coach us in the shot put and discus throws. What an exceptional athlete and coach. He was so funny with his stories he used to tell us at practice. We had so much fun with Sam. We went to see him one time in Clayton at Morgan Stanley after we graduated in 2001. ...

A couple of weeks have passed-Al and I are still thinking of Sam with heavy hearts and miss him. I'm sure we share these feelings with so many as Sam was such a special person and touched many lives. The world has lost a warm, funny, caring, trustworthy, intelligent, reputable, and generally all-around great guy. I guess we just hold tight to the memories and be thankful for the time he was a part of our lives. We'll keep his family and loved ones in our prayers.

Joy and Sam...so sorry for the loss of your son Sam. Praying your wonderful memories of him will give you peace and comfort in the days ahead. May God give you strength during this sad time.
Our heartfelt sympathy,
Don & Arlene Voyles

My thoughts and prayers are with Sam's family. If making a mark on those those we touch is a measure of our lives, then Sam was a true champion.

Sam, Joy, Kelly, Evan, Mona and your whole Family, know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this hard time.

Kevin Cooper (Rhode Island)

Joy, Sam, Evan, Kelly and Joey,
Words are so difficult to find at such a heartbreaking time. Be at peace just as Sam is now. Let him be your personal guardian angel. Remember there will be times when you can sense his presence as his spirit will always remain with you. May God hold him in the palm of His great hands and show him the way to his heavenly reward. As others have said, God took him at his greatest time of need. He is here to heal you as well in time. Allow your family and...

I send my love to all who loved and adored Sammy. He will be missed by so many. Our world has grown just a little more dim for his passing.