Samuel Ross Nelson

Lafayette - Samuel Ross Nelson (b. March 23rd, 1995) went to his heavenly home Tuesday, December 1st, 2020. Sam touched many lives and will be remembered for his loving actions, quirky humor, and steadfast friendship. He was strong, sensitive, and thoughtful. Sam enjoyed nature, running, drawing, writing, music, and linguistics. He was employed as an arborist and was good at and loved his job. Sam had been working on writing a novel and enjoyed illustrating children's books which were written to teach English to Chinese students; one series he also authored. He worked at Camp Tecumseh and enjoyed working with youth. His desire was to be with friends and family and he intentionally made time to do so, maintaining childhood friendships and close family ties. He was well liked and very loved.

Sam valued tradition, minimalism, ministry, and relationships. He looked forward to getting his CDL, becoming a certified tree-climber, beginning missions work, and someday getting married and having a family.

Sam was the youngest of four and part of a large, loving family. He was especially good at entertaining the young ones. Uncle Sammy played games and kept the peace, and recently went camping with his nephew Breandan for Cub Scouts. He was fun and caring with the kids and they adored him.

He was a member of Reformed Presbyterian Church where he served with the youth group, played on the softball team, and was a Missions Advocate.

He was a graduate of Faith Christian School where he later coached track and cross country. He also attended Wabash College and Purdue University. He earned a B.A. in creative writing from Purdue University.

He is survived by his paternal grandfather (B.R. Nelson), his maternal grandmother (Vivian Miller), his parents (Dave and Pam Nelson), his siblings (Josh Nelson (spouse Nicole), Angela Nelson, Daniel Goysich (spouse Sarah)) and nieces and nephews (Adrienne, Saoirse, Breandan, Aura, Marni, Lewis, and Rose). He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother (Maxine Nelson) and his maternal grandfather (Malcolm Miller). We loved him and he was a cherished grandson, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend.

A graveside service for immediate family was held on December 4th, 2020 at The Preserves in Spring Vale Cemetery. Pastor Adam Niess officiated.

Due to the pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sassafras Fund at Camp Tecumseh (information below).

Camp Tecumseh YMCA, 12635 West Tecumseh Bend Road, Brookston, IN 47923 https://www.camptecumseh.org/give/

You may sign the guest book and leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier on Dec. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Nelson

Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel.

8 Entries

Elizabeth E. Mercier

December 4, 2023

Remembering Sam especially this week. He was a treasured member of my Greek class, and I will never forget him and his quiet intelligence and thoughtfulness. Love and peace to his family.

Elizabeth Mercier

December 4, 2021

Remembering Sam this week, a really bright and wonderful Greek student, a friend to all of us who knew him from class. He will forever be in my heart.

Sabrina Mielczarski

March 28, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. I have a very bad memory even with recent events, but I do specifically remember how vibrant and energetic Sam would be when he came to class. It was often hard for me to come to class due to personal issues, but his positive attitude and sense of humor helped me focus on class and helped distract me from my problems for just a bit when I could come to class. I appreciate him for that, and I’m so upset to hear of his passing, even if we weren’t close. I’m not religious, but I know he was, and I’m sure he’d be happy to know that he was a blessing in my life. May he rest in peace.

Elizabeth Mercier

March 28, 2021

Sam was a wonderful, bright, deep-thinking student in my Ancient Greek 202 Homer class in the spring of 2018. It was a tiny class of just six students, and everyone felt like family. I will never forget your sweet son and will carry him with me in spirit every time I hear or speak or read a line of Greek. May he rest in His loving peace.

Jeff Chase

December 29, 2020

We were saddened to hear of the loss of Sam. We enjoyed having Sam as a neighbor. You could tell he loved to run as he was always doing it. The family has been and will continue to be in our prayers!!

Jeff and Jeanna Chase and family

Susan Wright Parker

December 11, 2020

So sorry for the death of your son. To read about his life and accomplishments he was a son to be proud of. Prayers and thinking of you.

Don and Marianne De Lion

December 10, 2020

Rest in peace.

Connie Bickett-Wright

December 10, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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