Samuel Martz Thomas

Sam was born on June 1, 1998 in San Antonio, Texas, bringing his parents a life of joy and delight with his inquisitiveness, compassionate nature, and sense of adventure.

Highly intelligent, Sam was in the gifted and talented program throughout all of his school years. He participated in track, choir, and was selected as a delegate to the Texas Boys’ State in 2015. Sam graduated from Memorial High School in 2016 and was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar. Following graduation, he achieved his dream of becoming a Texas Longhorn and attended the University of Texas in Austin.

Sam was active in First Methodist Houston youth group. He enjoyed traveling to new places and serving others through many family and youth mission trips, including Nicaragua, Haiti, and Mexico. Sam’s sense of adventure in the outdoors continually grew, and he loved spending time hiking, hunting, and fishing. Summer trips to the family home in Oregon were his favorite.

Sam was passionate about food and cooking, working in several restaurants where he enjoyed experimenting with new culinary creations. He especially loved his Texas barbeque, always ready to try out a new barbeque restaurant.

Sam is survived by his parents, Paula and Steve Thomas, his brother John, and his grandfather Leroy Steinocher, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sally and George Thomas, grandmother Pat Steinocher and aunt, Kara Steinocher.

Samuel truly was a gift from God, blessing his family and friends during his short time on earth. We are especially grateful for a recent weekend with him in the Texas Hill Country, hiking and fishing along the Frio River with family.

A Celebration of Sam’s Life will be held Monday, July 5, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Houston, Westchase campus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Methodist Houston Missions, (www.fmhouston.com) or communitiesforrecovery.org