Eugene “Sam” Nunemaker, 66, of Salina went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017. He was born Nov. 17, 1951, in Salina, to Ray Junior and Ruth Catherine (Hayward) Nunemaker. He married Diane R. Chizek, Aug. 8, 1970.
After graduating from Salina High School in 1969, he began working at the Salina Interstate House Restaurant and worked there for 10 years, eventually becoming general manager. He then began his 30-year career as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service. With his sense of humor and huge heart, he was greatly loved by his patrons. During is time at the USPS, Sam offered excellent negotiating skills as union steward of the NALC. He enjoyed every challenge that came with the job.
Sam loved hunting with his family and friends. There are endless stories that come with the memories of those trips. In the last 10 years, Sam had a unique approach to sharing his testimony and his newfound love for Jesus (with anyone and everyone).
Sam is survived by: his wife, Diane of the home; mother, Ruth of Salina; daughters, Sonja VanAmburg of Salina, and Rhonda Schneider (Kirk) of Carbondale, Colo.; son, Sam Nunemaker (Tanya) of Salina; son-in-law, Scott VanAmburg; grandchildren, Haley (Matt Hager), Tanner, Jase VanAmburg, Kade, Karson Schneider, Samuel, Mia Nunemaker; his brother, Ray Nunemaker (Marti) of Minneapolis; sister, Sally Forcier (Andy) of Belvidere, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his father, Ray Junior.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, with family present 5-7 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23, at Emmanuel Foursquare, 1325 E Cloud St, Salina. Private burial will follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sunflower Adult Day Services, or Emmanuel Foursquare Church.