Samuel Ellis Lewis

It is with deep sorrow and much love, that the family of Samuel Ellis Lewis of Idaho Falls, Idaho, announces his passing on March 10, 2025, at EIRMC, surrounded by his family.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Kay (Scherzinger) Lewis; his five children, Sherry (Stamper) Lewis, Steven Lewis (Ilona), Sue (Ralph) Lewis, James Lewis (Tammy), and Jackie Lewis (Michael Norman); his grandchildren, Bill, Bob, Christina, Amanda, Sam Jr., Jordan, Rob, Riley, DJ, Courtney, Chris, Shawn, and blended Case family; his six great grandchildren, Deegan, Drayke, Trynlee, Jack, Lily, and Audrey; and one great-great granddaughter, Saylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arley V. Lewis and Laura D. Lewis; his brothers, Eugene Miller and Raymond Avery; and his precious grandson, Richard Lee Stamper.

Sam was born June 3, 1939, in Rawlins, Wyoming, to Laura and Arley Lewis. Sam was raised in Gering, Nebraska, and excelled in academics, basketball, and football. Hard work, talent, and tenacity earned Sam a basketball scholarship to Nebraska Vocational Technical College, currently known as Southeast Community College/Milford Campus. College life not only paved the way for a bright future, but also led him to his soulmate, life partner, and stunning wife, Sandra Kay Scherzinger. Following graduation, Sam and Sandra were married on August 28, 1960, at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska. The newlyweds established their first home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he worked for General Dynamics. Sam’s employment with General Dynamics required the new couple to travel throughout the midwest. On July 12, 1961, the young couple welcomed their first daughter, Sherry Lynn Lewis, in Topeka, Kansas. Sam was over the moon excited to be a father and wanted the best for his new little family. In 1962, the growing Lewis family relocated to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Sam accepted a position with Phillips Petroleum Company, which later became known as the INL. The Lewis’s planted roots in Idaho Falls and naturally the family grew. Sam welcomed his first son, Steven Lee Lewis, on October 3, 1962, and was eager to pass on his values and love for athletics. Two short years later on November 11, 1964, the family was blessed with the birth of their second beautiful baby girl, Sue Ann Lewis. Sam was meant to be a father, and turns out he was pretty good at making children. James Rodney Lewis was born December 27, 1966, and at the time, was assumed to be the final youngest addition to the beautiful flourishing family. The four happy children built everlasting memories over the next ten years and were blessed to have the unconditional love and guidance of their doting father. Sam’s knack for making children surprised everyone when fatherhood came calling once again with the birth of his youngest child, Jackie Kay Lewis, on August 25, 1977.

It’s only natural that Sam was an expert at creating life because he was the best at everything he did. Sam was a provider first and foremost, but never forgot the importance of living life to its fullest and exploring his passions. In the 1960’s, he raced stock cars at the Blackfoot Speedway and for the Pocatello Stock Car Racing Association. Sam never entertained hobbies half way and earned his way to the winner’s circle on so many occasions that his trophy collection required extra storage space within the family home. Sam’s younger children enjoyed attending the races and supported their superstar father. However, they did ask Sandra if she ever got jealous when the trophy girl kissed him during trophy presentation in the winners’ circle. Sam spent time entertaining his own passions, but found the most joy mentoring and coaching his children and others. In the 1970’s, Sam coached his children in basketball, baseball, and softball. He even continued to coach his youngest, Jackie, in the late 1980’s. Sam retired from the INL as a Reactor Engineer in 1995 and devoted his time helping his kids, grandkids, and almost anyone that needed him. He kept everyone’s cars running and through his remarkable humor always seemed to make light of every situation, regardless of the severity. Sam enjoyed camping with his family and especially loved to park their RV at Heise Hot Springs. He loved to golf with his beloved wife, Sandy, and daughter, Jackie. Of course Sam mastered the Heise Golf Course and had two holes in one, thus earning not one, but TWO spaces of name real estate on “The Hole in One Club” leaderboard. Sam never boasted about his accomplishments and found more reward in cracking a joke and making someone laugh. His most treasured trophies were the ones that didn’t take up physical space but forever live on through memories and stories he shared with his family and friends. Sam liked to keep things simple and his heart found the most happiness at home with his beloved pets and family. He loved to prepare humongous bowls of popcorn for movie nights, and of course, he gave Orville Redenbacher a run for his money. Sam loved watching movies, especially westerns. Ironically one of his favorite films was “3:10 to Yuma” and Sam peacefully left the physical world on 3/10/2025 at 3:10 a.m., thus punching his 3:10 ticket to heaven.

Sam was a positive light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a close relationship with God and was a member of Hope Lutheran Church for over 50 years. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and the unwavering love of life. He was a coach, Father, and role model to more than just his own children. He was a caring and loving husband, best friend, and confidant to many. We can remember him for his quick wit and humor. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Sam may be gone, but will never be forgotten, and will eternally live on through laughter, joy, and the memories he created.

Private family services will be held at a later date.