Samuel Shawn "Sam" Livingston

Samuel Shawn “Sam” Livingston, 64, of Newcastle, passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Sanford Nursing Center in Vermillion, SD, after a two-year courageous battle with cancer. 

He was cremated as per his request. A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Fri­day, August 30, 2024, at 2 pm with PMA Bruce Erik­sen presiding. Inurnment will follow at Lime Creek Cemetery. Sammy’s wishes were to celebrate his life at Castle Bar in Newcastle following the graveside service.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sam’s forever friends, John Gregg, Deric and Donnie Anderson, Scott and Danny Bennett, and Travis Ehlers.

Sam was born March 29, 1960, in Sioux City, IA to Samuel and Glennis (Nelson) Livingston. He was baptized at Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell and confirmed at Riverside Lutheran Church in Sioux City, IA. He grew up in Sioux City and attended elementary and high school at Riverside School. He worked as a welder for Philip’s Kiln for many years and was able to experience seeing much of the United States through his work there. Sam was also a bartender for many years.

Sam enjoyed the outdoors and never went anywhere without his faithful dog companions, Riley and Bob. He was an avid fisherman and as he put it, he was “the best in the area”. He loved taking his boat out at night and fishing all night long. He has reeled in some big ones and loved to parade the town with his catch for all to see.

Sam loved finding things to tinker on. He would find “dump treasures” that others would throw out. He would haul it home, often find a simple fix, and have it up and running again. He also loved a good bargain at the thrift store. 

Sam also enjoyed hanging out around town; he could be found with the coffee crew, at the beauty shop with Paige and her kids, and socializing at Lyle’s and the Castle. One of Sammy’s favorite things in the last few years was taking his friend Lupita on her weekly grocery run to Vermillion, which was always followed by lunch and ice cream together. 

Survivors include a brother, Fran of Newcastle; nephew, Nick (Dusti) Livingston and their four chil­dren; nieces: Lisa (Adam) Freng and their three chil­dren; Amy (Andy) Witte and their three children; Kim (Preston) Crissey and their four children; Rhianna Elkins and her two children; Kaylinn Mesmer and her daughter; and Heather Mesmer.; sister-in-law, Cheryl Livingston; aunts, Evelyn Nelson, Ellen Livingston, Faye Nelson; uncle, Rod Gatzemeyer. Special friends and adopted family; Koni Lamprecht and her daughters, Megan Paige and Brooklyn. John Gregg his wife Holly and children Caden, Harper and Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ray; sister, Kandis Keck and her husband David, an infant sister; and grandparents.

Memorial donations that are offered will contribute to Sam’s funeral and a headstone for his final resting place.