Samuel Ross Nelson (b. March 26th, 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.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sassafras Fund at Camp Tecumseh, Camp Tecumseh YMCA, 12635 West Tecumseh Bend Road Brookston, IN 47923 https://www.camptecumseh.org/give/

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at the Outdoor River Village Chapel at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, IN. In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the camp’s Kampen Lodge.  The annual 5K run will be held at 3:00 pm on the same day in honor of Sam this year.  A tree planting ceremony will follow the race.