Sam Stearman Obituary

Sam Stearman, 83, went to be with his Lord Jesus on Nov. 20, 2009. He was born on June 12, 1926, in Hooker, Oklahoma. He married Billie Katherine White on June 25, 1948, and they were married for 61 years. He was a graduate of Southern Nazarene University (Beth-any Peniel College at the time) and did his graduate work at Wittenburg University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of theology by the Church of the Nazarene. Brother Sam, as he was so affectionately called, pastored Nazarene churches in Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Sam and Dr. Ponder Gilliland were co-founders of NIROGA (Nazarene International Retreat of Golden Agers); he helped establish ARMM (Association of Retired Ministers and Missionaries); and he and B. Kaye were the founders of SAM (Senior Adult Ministries) Tours, traveling to all 50 states, Mexico, and Canada. In 1976, his alma mater (SNU) honored him as an outstanding alumnus with the "B" Award. Even more than these accomplishments, however, everyone who knew Sam Stearman will remember him as a man who truly never met a stranger. He would light up any room that he would enter, and his familiar "God Bless You!" became his trademark blessing. Being in his presence was like being "dipped in sunshine." His family has often stated that he was exactly the same person behind closed doors as he was in public -- genuinely happy, loving, and affirming. He loved his current events and news, politics, his Colorado mountain vacation home, and his dog, Gracie May. Sam was a WW II veteran and served in the Army. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister. He is survived by his wife, Billie, of the home; three sons: Steve and wife, Vickie, of Oklahoma City; Scott and wife, Hermine, of Woodland Park, Colorado; and Sam, of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Dustin Stearman and wife, Laura, of Oklahoma City; Sharilyn Starling and husband, Greg, of Mustang; and three great-grandchildren: Jake, Samantha, and Ben. Contributions may be made to the SNU Angel Scholarship fund for needy students in his memory. Family visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m., at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. The memorial service will be at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, with interment at Bethany Cemetery.

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Published by Oklahoman on Nov. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Sam Stearman

8 Entries

Karen & Malcolm Teague

December 21, 2009

Dear Billie Kay,
What beautiful memories we have of your and Sam's ministries at Coffeyville, KS First Church and the fun and fellowship we had there. Sam is with Mother and Dad and the Wrights and Arvie Chittum and so many others - what a reunion they are having in heaven! I sent you a Christmas card and it returned to me today. We love you and will continue to pray for you and your wonderful family. "God Bless You."

Grafton & Roma Smith

November 28, 2009

Sorry to hear of our friend's passing, but know he is now safe with Jesus. May God comfort all the family.

November 25, 2009

I was privileged to meet Dr. Sam at a NIROGA in New Mexico in the mid 90's. It was a retreat I will never forget. My sympathies to the family.
Mrs. Fayra (Lyle) Eckley

November 24, 2009

To the Stearman family. Our heart felt condolences to all for the loss of this outstanding Christian personality. We rejoice to know that he has achieved the goal for which we are all striving. God bless and comfort you in this time of loss.

Juanita and Bill Moon

Stan&Cathie Houts

November 23, 2009

Dear Stearmans,
Stan and I have so many wonderful memories of Brother Sam. I do not believe I ever saw that man without a huge smile on his life. He loved life! we are so thankful that we had the privilege of knowing such a godly man, and Heaven is indeed celebrating his homecoming. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Marilyn Moore

November 23, 2009

Steve, Vickie & Family, I so wished I would have had the honor to meet your father, I feel like I knew him just by reading all the wonderful things about him. Steve you have to be so much like him, for there is never a time that I see you that you aren't happy, smiling and just up lifting. Your father raised a wonderful family man who cares about People!!! God Bless you and all your family at this sad time, but heaven just couldn't wait any longer to share in his sunshine. Love, Marilyn & Doug Moore

Everett and Patricia Norton

November 23, 2009

Dear Bea Kay and family,
Know that you are in our prayers and thoughts as you bid farewell on earth to this wonderful man. We have such treasured memories of our times together at Detroit First Church, NIROGA, Sam Tours and all the special days in between. The reminiscing and the stories never end when we are together with mutual friends. We look forward to a grand reunion some day. And as Sam would say, "God bless you!"
When we count our blessings on Thanksgiving Day, you will be among them.

Bob Roper

November 23, 2009

Steve & Vickie, I remember seeing Sam at DFC a few years ago and going up to him and saying "hello". His smile exploded across his face and he patted me on the shoulder and we had a great visit. He was such a sincere and sweet man. His memory and his powerful Christian faith is preserved in his amazing family. You can always be proud of who he was and the lives he touched. I look forward to seeing him again. Hugs and prayers.

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