Samuel Douglas Caldwell

Sam was born on September 18, 2000 in Shawnee Mission, KS to Doug and Jackie Caldwell. He was the youngest of three children. His arrival was anticipated with joy and excitement, and Sam did not disappoint. Sam was so loved by the entire family from the moment he arrived.

Sam had a big personality and joyful spirit for living. Sam was constantly pictured with a big smile on his face and his hands on the shoulders of family and friends. He was the spark plug keeping everyone entertained. Sam, as a toddler, was constantly carried around by his older sister Molly, who loved dressing him up in all types of costumes...lots of pink and purple. Sam idolized his big brother Jake and constantly tried to “do what Jake was doing”.

As a little guy Sam joyously played all of the youth sports - flag football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, plus cub scouts including Pinewood Derby as one of his favorites.

As young adults Molly, Jake, and Sam took their first sibling trip together to Ireland in 2019. This trip was to be the first of many and they were already planning their second trip. They not only loved each other as siblings, but they truly liked each other as friends and really enjoyed spending quality time together.

Sam had a special love for the outdoors, sports, games, and puzzles. He had an extraordinary eye for three dimensional games and constantly outsmarted the adults at a young age. Many memories of Sam include summer vacations at Table Rock Lake, trips to the beach, scuba diving in Belize, and fly fishing in Gunnison, Colorado (he had a special knack for seeing trout in the river and casting to the right spot). Sam loved adventure and the outdoors - rock climbing, hiking in the mountains, and enjoying the cool Colorado days.

Sam had a big group of friends spanning his years at Brookwood Elementary, Indian Woods Middle School, Shawnee Mission South High School, and Regis University. This broad cross section of friends stayed in touch with Sam, because he was such a good friend to so many. Our family is grateful to have hosted many gatherings for Sam and his friends during their school years. There was a constant stream of kids coming through the kitchen to the family room during all those years.

Sam had a quick wit and was not shy about using it on family and friends. His humor always caused a belly laugh, including from his Dad, who was a favorite target. The wonder and comment was always the same, “how in the world did he come up with that!”. We know Sam’s friends will be telling “Sam Stories” for years to come.

While at Shawnee Mission South Sam played lacrosse for 2 years and basketball all 4 years. As a senior, Sam was one of the captains of his 2019 Raider team. He helped lead the Raider Basketball team to the State Tournament. His jersey was #21 and he wore it proudly. He was always fearless whether taking a charge on the basketball court, scuba diving at 10 years old, or rock jumping in Colorado. Sam was in National Honor Society, Link Crew, Sweetheart Court, and many other school and sports activities while at SMS.

Sam attended college at Regis University in Denver for 3 semesters. He moved home in November and his plan was to take a semester off until the pandemic calmed down and he could actually go to class again. Sam had just recently moved to Lawrence to live with friends and his plan was to transfer to KU in the fall and finish his college experience as a Jayhawk. Sam was an excellent writer and communicator but still wasn’t sure of his major. His one defining comment was “whatever I do, I don’t want work to be my life, I want to have time for my family and friends.”

Sam’s friends and family could always count on him to bring a smile to their face. From the day he was born he exuded pure joy and understood how to live life in the present. Sam was known to have an internal God given moral and compassionate compass. He was so kind and caring of others, often with action more than words alone.

Sam loved all animals, especially his beloved miniature aussie Daisy, and he found a home for multiple strays or dogs in need over the years. His job throughout high school was dog sitting and many families counted on him to take care of their furry family members.

Sam was a loving son, brother, grandson, and friend. He is survived and forever loved by his parents Doug and Jackie, siblings Molly (Marion Delano) and Jake, his Grandparents Shirley Landon (Arma, KS), Betty Schall (Olathe, KS), and Sandy Schall (Broken Bow, NE), Dean Shankel (Richmond, IL) and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.

Sam’s Grandpa Bob passed away on November 14th, 2020 and we know that they are together and his Grandpa is helping to watch over him. They both loved telling jokes or making a witty observation, so we are sure they will be laughing together.

Please use the link below to contribute to the Samuel Caldwell Memorial Fund. In Sam’s honor the Memorial Funds will be provided to local animal rescue organizations and youth sports.