Nelson "Sam" Eugene Steward, 78, of Merkel, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Visitation will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Tye Baptist Church located at 207 Morgan St. Tye, Texas 79563. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:00 AM at Tye Baptist Church. Sam was born on January 31, 1947, in Lubbock, Texas, to his loving parents, Claude "Punk" and Ola Jean Steward. He grew up in Abilene, where he attended Abilene High School and Cisco Jr. College. Over the years, Sam worked in several roles that reflected his strong work ethic and friendly spirit - including as a custodian at Allie Ward Elementary and Tye Baptist Church, in the produce department at Safeway, and at the Tye Texaco gas station. A faithful member of Tye Baptist Church, Sam was known for his cheerful personality and his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved spending time outdoors - especially fishing, sitting in the sun, collecting cans and anything Babe Ruth. Sam also had a special love for his donkeys, Precious and Nellie, and fondly remembered Jake, who passed before him. Sam will be remembered for his happy, outgoing, determined nature, his love of conversation, and his generous heart. When he married Mary Helen Ramsey on May 16, 2020, he joyfully embraced the role of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - and the children loved him dearly. Sam won their hearts with peppermints and Dad jokes. Sam's legacy of kindness, laughter, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Preceded in death by his parents, Claude "Punk" and Ola Jean Steward; brother Bobby Jo Steward; nephew Todd Steward and grandson Andrew Baker. Left to cherish his memories: wife Mary Steward, daughters: Leota Mitchell (Jeff), Wendy Robinson (David), Celeste Nurmi, sons: David Wheeler, Kenneth Nurmi, brother Thomas Ed Steward (Patricia), grandchildren: Jos­hua Wheeler (Laura), Robert Baker (Des'Rae), Taylor Anderson, Adriana Goodwin, Zachary Goodwin, great-grandchildren: Colin Wheeler, Kayden Baker, Kaleb Baker, Killian Baker, Kimber Baker, Skyler Baker, Harmony Mitchell, Mariah Mitchell, nieces: Mendy Cheek, and Tonya Reffiner (Charles). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tye Baptist Church Memorial Fund.