Samuel James Prizer

SAMUEL JAMES PRIZER was born July 12, 1980, in Yakima, Washington the son of Bonnie Wray Peterson (Bair), and Stephen Emmons Prizer.  He passed from this earth life on March 14, 2024, in Abilene, Texas.

Sam cultured a rare intellect and frightening sense of humor tempered with kindness.  He loved his Daughter, Emma; Stepson, Eli; and his cats. He cherished the love of his life, Barbie Cooper.   Reading, playing guitar, and singing filled his days (and sometimes nights) with joy.

Sam graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, and served in the U.S. Army in Iraq . Lifelong health issues taught him humility,  patience, and “other ways” of getting what he wanted.  He was capable.

Sam’s family members were amused, entertained, challenged, and they loved him, and  were loved by him. We will always  miss Our Sam.

A memory from each of his family members:

Bonnie/Mom: “Sam is the first person I have known from His first day to His last.  It has been a blessing and a privilege.”

Steve/Dad: . “As a little boy Sam was my greatest joy. That is how I hope to remember him.”

Spring Klima/Sister: “Sam was the sweet, chubby baby I was old enough to want to help with. I thought he was a doll, and changing his diaper was fun. He was also the smartest teen I’ve ever known. When I was 19 and he 13, I called home from college with 4 of my sorority sisters so Sam could help us write our term papers on War and Peace. He broke the book down to the basic themes and everyone listening passed the class. He sang after granddads funeral out on the front lawn, and I was certain Granddad heard him. “

Lorien Kokenes/Sister: “I will love you and miss you always my little brother rest in peace.”

Peter Grant Prizer: Brother: “Sam always navigated the difficult, alternate, rare, and wilder passages in his life. All I really know is that he was my brother, and I will miss him.”

Stephen Lucas Prizer/Brother :  “He probably read more books TO me, than I ever read before the age of 18.  I love my brother, and it's a comfort to know death is not a final goodbye. Lots of good memories... So many laughs ... and he was there for most of the fun I would later regret, .”

Emma Prizer/Daughter: “I love you, Dad, and I’ll miss you forever. I’ll always wish we had more time. A thousand hugs and a million times “ I love you” from your babygirl. You are and always will be such an important part of me. Rest in peace.”

Elijah Polston/Stepson: “Samuel came into my life to be my father and love me like his own.  He shared many of the things he loved with me that are now a part of who I am as an adult: like anime, video games, music, and how to grow up. I’ll always remember all the nerdy things we did together, and I really cared about him. To lose Sam so soon really makes me appreciate the time I did have with him. I hope you’re finally at peace and no longer in pain.  I love you.”

At a later date, there will be a memorial in Abilene and a graveside service in Declo, Idaho where his ashes will be placed with his grandfather, James Monroe Peterson.

Earth life is short.   See you soon.