Mr. Sam Myers

May 31st, 1950 - May 17th, 2014

Visitation:

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

Tue, May. 20th, 2014 5:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM

Service:

Southern Illinois Worship Center

Wed, May. 21st, 2014 5:00 PM

Burial:

Herrin City Cemtery

Wed, May. 21st, 2014 6:00 PM

Herrin- Sam Myers, 63, of Herrin, passed away peacefully at his home in the arms of his partner, Edward, niece, Kelli and great nephew, Carson at 10:20 AM, Saturday, May 17, 2014,

Sam was born on May 31, 1950 in Libertyville, Illinois to Lois Luck.

Sam was a handsome and creative man who had a charismatic disposition and made friends with everyone he met. He was inspirational through his creative works which included paintings, sculptures, floral arranging and interior design. He owned and operated Studio 1 florist in Herrin for many years and owned Myers-Avripas Design (interior design team and buyer for Walkers-Bluff) in Herrin with his partner Edward.

In addition to his business talents, Sam was a very spiritual man who challenged himself, after being saved more than five years ago, to reach out and lead others to Christ. He was a member of the Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin and loved and cared for the church and its congregation.

In his spare time, He and Edward loved traveling the world and meeting and interacting with people of different cultures and beliefs. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include-

Companion and partner for 36 years- Edward Avripas of Herrin

Three sisters-

Mary Ann Bateman of Wauconda

Jacqueline Myers of Champaign

Kristin Ficher of Champaign

Brother- Patrick Luck of Wauconda

Edward’s mother- Jewell Avripas of Herrin

Edward’ brother- Dennis Avripas of Herrin

Several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews

Many close friends and his church family

He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father- Marion Luck.

The funeral service will be held at 5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin. Pastors Jason and Melissa McKinnies will officiate. Burial will follow at HerrinCityCemetery. Visitation will be from 5-9:00 PM, Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.

 

Memorial donations are suggested to Sam’s Chapel (a monument to Sam which will be erected at Walkers Bluff) and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/201 S. 13th St/Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.

 

24 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Patty LaBelle

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 18, 2014

    Ed, I am saddened to learn of Sam’s passing. I met Sam many, many years ago. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to talk. He was a truely a talented man. I’ve missing seeing him the last several years. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you at this time of need. God Bless.

  • Guest: Bob & Dorothy Frye

    From: Johnston City,, Illinois

    Date: May 18, 2014

    Ed, so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. Our earthly loss is heavens gain. May God give you comfort and peace. He fought a good fight. Rest in Peace dear Sam. Gone but not forgotten.

  • Guest: Deb Payne

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 18, 2014

    Ed, Thinking of you and hoping that wonderful memories of good times with Sam flood your mind. He was so courageous in his battle. His joy is
    complete. Prayers offering up for your comfort.
    Deb Payne

  • Guest: Todd and Ricky Taylor

    From: Carterville , Illinois

    Date: May 19, 2014

    Ed, so sorry for your loss. Sam and you will forever be in our hearts. Sam and you gave me some books to read to my father as he was battling cancer and brought him back to the Lord. Sam had such a great heart, I can not forget the love you both have, when I needed to see god in my storm you all were there. Love you both more than I could ever put in words.

  • Guest: Mr. Harold (Sandy) & Mrs. Carol Stewart

    From: Murphysboro, Illinois

    Date: May 19, 2014

    We remembered the first time we met Sam. We had been invited to a mutual friends home for Easter dinner and celebration of the baptisms of two precious little babies. Sam was so much fun. He was a special person.

    Sam will be missed.

  • Guest: Eileen, Tom Miller and family

    From: CHampaign, Illinois

    Date: May 20, 2014

    Dear Ed, We are so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Our thoughts and hearts go out to you. He is truly gone too soon.
    May you find peace in the knowledge of your love and the beautiful life you shared together.

  • Guest: chris pasquino chris kondoudis

    From: Maryville, Illinois

    Date: May 20, 2014

    Ed, i hope you remember me. Bill Barras cousin. we are so very sorry about Sam. i grew up with him. He was such a vibrant man and so handsome. Very kind to my sister Pat when she was in rehab. may God help you through this difficult time now, and the days that follow.

  • Guest: Joly Sanders Thompson

    From: Caruthersville, Missouri

    Date: May 20, 2014

    Oh Ed I am simply saddened by this news ;(
    I was just asking Mom about you two less than a week
    ago. My heart is very heavy as I’m sending many hugs and prayers.

  • Guest: Yolanda (Simpkins) Fisher

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 20, 2014

    Ed, I am so sorry and saddened to hear that Sam has passsed. I know your devotion to one another was a blessing. I will forever have the memories of long ago and will cherish them. God Bless You

  • Guest: The Fisher Family

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 20, 2014

    Our family was heart-broken to hear the news that Sam had passed away. It’s so sad to think we will never get to visit with him again.

    Although we didn’t see Sam often, every time he greeted us with so much love! He was so special to us. We loved Sam, and will miss him very, very much.

    Dearest Ed, our hearts are with you now. We are praying that the memories of all the love and joyous times you shared with Sam will bring you peace in the coming days.

    Peace, Love and Joy,

    John, Joyce, Jolene & Angie
    Fisher

  • Guest: Sharon Burton. ( Lori Horn) mom

    From: Energy , Illinois

    Date: May 20, 2014

    So sorry for your loss. My prayers to Ed and Sams family. He was a dear person

  • Guest: john vaughn

    From: herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 20, 2014

    we came to the fh but had to leave because of our daughter. so sorry about sam. he was a great guy and will be missed -john and sandra vaughn

  • Guest: Joe Walters

    From: , Illinois

    Date: May 20, 2014

    Ed,Very sad to hear of SAMs passing. You both were always so pleasant and professional to work with.

    God Bless you both.

    Regards
    Joe Walters

  • Guest: Teresia (Field) Mertens

    From: Gilbert, Arizona

    Date: May 20, 2014

    Ed, so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. He will truly be missed by all. He was nothing but goodness. I feel blessed to have known him. He was blessed to have your love and companionship. Love you and thinking of you.

  • Guest: Janet Downen

    From: Smithville, Missouri

    Date: May 21, 2014

    Ed and family, I am so sorry to learn of Sam’s passing.
    He was a terrific person and always made me laugh when I visited his salon.
    It is a beautiful thing to know that both of you were so dedicated to each other through all of these years.
    You and your families will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bring you comfort during this time of sorrow.

  • Guest: Lori Peterson

    From: Johnston City, Illinois

    Date: May 21, 2014

    You are in my prayers, Ed. My heart hurts for you at this difficult time. Stay strong and hold tight to all the wonderful memories you both shared. God is holding him now and watching over you. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

    Lori

  • Guest: Sharon Davis Hardin

    From: Cobden, Illinois

    Date: May 21, 2014

    Don’t worry, he won’t be far….His spirit forever with you.
    Celebrate his memory, Smile in his honor,
    Shed tears of joy instead, Don’t worry, he’ll be close by
    FOREVER IN YOUR HEART.

    Love you Ed…

  • Guest: Don & Sharon Gaddis

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 21, 2014

    Edward and family, You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.

  • Guest: Al & Colleen Kuczynski

    From: Carbondale, Illinois

    Date: May 21, 2014

    Dear Ed, This is a time where we all look for strength. Take comfort, you will find that strength when you are surround by close Family and your Family of close Friends.

  • Guest: Steve Faughn

    From: Vienna, Illinois

    Date: May 22, 2014

    Ed: I am so very sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Sam & You will forever be in my heart-Long time friends that you both were. Stay strong Ed and remember, gone but never, never forgotten- the great love you shared. My prayers to Edward & Sam’s Family
    God Bless You

  • Guest: Doc & Shoshana Church

    From: Cambria, Illinois

    Date: May 22, 2014

    Ed and Family, We are so sorry about Sam. We will remember him for his kind demeanor and his beautiful eye for design. We are praying for peace for you as you go through this time of grief and sure you will be filled with wonderful memories of him.

  • Guest: Gaila Johnson

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 28, 2014

    I didn’t know Sam for very long, but he quickly became a good friend and such a joy to know! His greatest joy was telling how much Jesus meant to him. My prayers are with his friends and family.

  • Guest: Bill and Donna Malecki

    From: Parrish, Florida

    Date: June 1, 2014

    Dear Ed,
    We are so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. You and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers! We are blessed to have known Sam!
    Love,
    Bill and Donna in Parrish FL

  • Guest: Dee and Dani Robinson

    From: Chicago, Illinois

    Date: June 16, 2014

    Ed,
    Joy, love, laughter and God’s grace all come to mind when I think of Sam and you. Sam forever will live in the hearts of those that knew him. Sam had that effect on people. May your memories give you strength in the days ahead. Know your angel on earth is now your angel in heaven. He can love and support in greater ways now with the help of God.