Sam L. Seward, 81, of Beardstown died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.
    He was born Aug. 14, 1939, in Beardstown, the son of Hartford and Fanny Alberta Hagerty Seward. He married Marilyn C. Lebkuecher on Oct. 22, 1960, in Beardstown and she preceded him in death on Aug. 26, 2002.
    He is survived by two sons, Eric (significant other, Angie Esela) Seward and Craig (wife, Mandy) Seward, all of Beardstown; four grandchildren, Stephanie (husband, Sven) Reithmeier of Colorado Springs, CO, Clayton, Cameron and Austin Seward, all of Beardstown; sister-in-law, Joyce Potts of Rushville, and eight nieces and nephews, Theresa Hager, Tom Seward, Sambo Seward, Jan Webster, Jane Johnson, Steve Daniel, Hart Seward and Gabe Seward.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sharon Lea Daniel and Jeanine “Cork” Phelps; two brothers, Jimmie “Pooch” Seward and Larry Seward; and a niece, Ann Daniel Lawson.
    Mr. Seward was a 1959 graduate of Beardstown High School where he participated in basketball, football and track and field. He was first employed as a welder by Material Service Company, and then Peabody Coal Company. He later joined his father-in-law, Gilbert Lebkuecher, on the family farm in Cass County in the early 1970s. He then worked alongside his sons and grandson, Clayton, on the farm before retiring.
    Sam was a past member of Bluff Springs Elevator Board and Beardstown Elks Lodge #1007. Sam was an avid supporter of Beardstown Athletics, especially girls’ basketball and softball and enjoyed watching the professional sport teams, Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees. In his younger years he enjoyed duck, deer and mushroom hunting. Sam loved visiting with friends over a cup of coffee at area eating establishments.
    Cremation will be accorded. Private services and burial will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to TAC or Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice, c/o Sager Funeral Home, 202 E. 8th Street, Beardstown, IL 62618. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sagerfuneralhome.com. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.