Samuel Gene Stinson

Samuel Gene Stinson, 86, passed away on December 13, 2025. He was born May 8, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Neil and Bonnie Stinson. Sam had a rare gift for conversation and easily made friends wherever he went.

In his early years, Sam’s curiosity and sense of adventure showed up as he loved stopping by the fire station where his grandfather was a firefighter. He also loved following fire trucks to see where they were headed.

Sam began school at South Side and graduated from New Haven High School. After high school, he attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. Sam followed a calling into ministry, serving as pastor at Trinity Church in Lakeville, Indiana, and later as Minister of Youth and Christian Education at First Brethren Church of South Bend.

Sam treasured being a father to his daughter, Heidi, and his heart was forever changed when she passed away in 1976. He was eternally grateful for the sacrifices, love and care his wife at the time, Joyce Trygg, gave to Heidi and their family. He also poured love into his role as an uncle, creating memories that still bring smiles—especially treating his nephew and niece to the full Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor birthday experience as kids. Sam adored being around children and was a big kid at heart himself—sharing his yo-yo skills and playing games.

In the mid-1970s, Sam began a new chapter in the electrical trade. He started with Enyart Electrical in South Bend, Indiana, and enjoyed a career that spanned more than 40 years. He was proud of his work and his union service, including serving as Secretary of the IBEW Local 153 in South Bend for over 25 years.

Sam was especially grateful for the friendship of his colleague Keith Walorski. Keith became like a son to Sam, and Sam deeply valued not only their work together, but also the joy of knowing Keith’s wife, Brenda, and their children, Michael and Ashley.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Heidi; his parents, Neil and Bonnie Stinson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Judi Stinson. He is survived by his sister Bonnie (John) Hess; nephew Brad Stinson; niece Lori Stinson (Lea Smith); great-niece Addie Stinson (Nate Goss); Julie Stinson, Denny (Susan) Grotrian, Joyce Sines, Ina (Syl) Luhring, Keith (Brenda) Walorski; Michael (Amber) Walorski; and sons, Connor and Cody, Ashley Walorski, former wife, Joyce Trygg.

A celebration of life will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

• Luvability Ministries – https://luvability.org/

• Stillwater Hospice – https://stillwater-hospice.org/