Our beautiful, sweet son, Samuel Carlton Driedger, was born June 29th, 2004 on our 2nd wedding anniversary in St. Louis, MO. He entered the Kingdom of Heaven on January 27th, 2024 at age 19. Sam was fiercely loved and will be greatly missed by his parents, Erin and Jason Driedger, sister Lila, brother Will, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He will live on in our hearts and thoughts.
He was a sophomore at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, studying psychology. Sam had expressed interest in graduate school and pursuing a career as a therapist. Sam attended St. John the Baptist Elementary School for preschool through 1st grade, and he was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. John’s and made his first communion at Queen of All Saints Church. He attended Point Elementary School and Oakville Middle School in the Mehlville School District for grades 2-8. He is a graduate of Oakville High School in the Mehlville School District, class of 2022.
He was hard-working and had several jobs as a high school or college student, working at Schnucks, Sam’s Club in Edwardsville, and Grant’s Farm in Crestwood, MO. Sam loved being around friends and family, and he enjoyed music, videogames, and fishing with friends. Sam was smart and excelled at school, seemingly without much effort. He was teaching himself how to play the guitar, practicing songs from Nirvana and the Beatles that he had learned through watching online videos. Sam also played the trombone in the band at Oakville Middle School, sometimes competing for first chair. He was a cool guy and had great taste in music, and he appreciated rock classics like Nirvana, Metallica, and The Foo Fighters. As a young boy, Sam was fascinated with trains and knew every Thomas the Tank Engine character by name. Our house was taken over by a large train table and a maze of GeoTrax that snaked through every room.
Sam had an easy-going and calm temperament, peaceful spirit, and quiet dignity and grace about him. Sam never lost his cool, always had a great sense of humor, and was a great listener and good friend to many. He grew up with many similarly aged cousins, and he always looked forward to sleepovers at Aunt Lisa’s with his cousins.
It was such an honor to be a part of his life and to have witnessed him grow into the man he became. Sam will forever be missed and loved by so many.
Services: Funeral mass at St. John the Baptist Church in South St. Louis City on Sat. 2/10/24 at 1:30 PM. Mass to be presided over by family friend, Fr. Mitch Doyen. A visitation will follow the Memorial mass at St. John the Baptist Church on 2/10/24 from 2:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m. Service of Kutis South County Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Sam’s name to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul in St. Louis, MO or Mennonite Central Committee.
I first knew Sam as a darling little five year old at SJB. Then after moving to a new school, I was surprised to see him at that school also. He was close in age to my daughter and I was able to see him grow into the amazing young man throughout his time in school. He was always willing to work at school and was kind and sweet to both adults and the other students. He will be missed.
What a beautiful and heartfelt testimony to Samuel’s life. He accomplished so much in his time here on earth. I have no doubts his good works will continue in the Kingdom of Heaven. Sending you all my love, thoughts, and prayers
He was a great kid and a good friend to my son Riley! I feel lucky to have gotten to know him.
Erin & Jason – thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Much Love…Julie
Words cannot express how I saddened I am to hear about the loss of Sam. It was honor to work with Sam at Grant’s Farm. He will truly be missed. My heartfelt sympathy to all Sam’s family and friends.
Words can’t describe how much I miss him. I attended a private school from preschool through eighth grade. I was bullied since fourth grade and I struggled to make friends. Switching over to a public school setting was terrifying for me, but it wasn’t long before I met Sam during my Freshman year at Oakville. He was so accepting of people and was able to become friends with anyone he spoke to. Needless to say him and I instantly connected and it wasn’t long before he introduced me to the rest of his friend group. I don’t know if I would have made it through high school if it wasn’t for Sam’s support and acceptance. Sam was always willing to hangout no matter what. He was always there if I needed to get anything off my chest. He was always willing to give me a ride or pay for a meal. He always had a smile on his face and shared countless laughs with us. He wasn’t just my best friend, he was THE best friend. We miss you buddy.
Jason and Erin,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you.
I did not know Sam much at all, as he was a current student in my class, and I had never met him prior. But I wanted to express, simply, my most sincere and heartfelt sadness to you all. I am amazed by your tribute to your son – it shows such love, pride, and grace. May you find comfort somehow in the days to come. Rest in peace, Sam.
We are so sorry for your loss. We will pray for you and your family in the tough days ahead. Try and find comfort in knowing that you see him again one day in heaven. And what a reunion that will be.
Jason and Erin,
My deepest sympathy. I’m saddened to hear about the loss of your son. I will pray for you and all your family. Thinking about you all during this very difficult time.
While we may have drifted apart later into my high school career, Sam was one of my closest friends for the time I was able to spend with him. I wish nothing more than for him to enjoy paradise. Rest in peace, Sam.
Sorry for your loss, sending my condolences. I didn’t know him but he seems like a pretty cool guy and would loved a conversation with him
Jason and Erin, my name is John Cavanaugh. I am one of the SIUE police officers who spoke with you this past Saturday. I have kids and step kids of my own and I cannot imagine the sense of loss you are feeling for Sam. You all seem to be a great family and I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I pray you will find comfort in each other in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. You will all be in my prayers.
Jason, Erin and family,
We mourn with you and send our most heartfelt condolences to you following the tragic and untimely passing of Sam. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It makes me sad knowing I won’t get to meet with him again. Sam was a great kid, who’s mannerisms reminded me of my son. Thank you for raising such a wonderful person, and please accept my positive thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
As im also from crestwood its heartbreaking to hear this news what a beautiful soul.Rest in peace🤍
Jason, Erin and family,
It’s your cousin John here, Jason. I’m so sorry. Every day since I heard the news I think about Sam and I think about you and Erin and Will and Lila and what you are all experiencing right now. It’s too much. We are grieving with you and sending love.
John, Shayna, and family.
I knew Sam through a group project we participated in at SIUE. He was so funny and insightful to talk to. His kindness and lighthearted spirit cannot be understated, it was a pleasure to know Sam
My deepest sympathy to both of you, your children and the whole family. This type of loss is so unexpected and heartbreaking. I can’t imagine your feeling of loss. May you find comfort and strength through your faith, family and friends. All of you will be in my daily prayers. May Sam rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Bob and Bev Long
Dear Jason, Erin, Will, and Lila;
We have been privileged to watch Sam grow up and appreciate your wonderful tribute to capture his life and spirit that were cut much too short. There just aren’t words to express our sadness, we wish all of you grace and peace with such a heavy loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go with you.
Sarah and Kevin
Your tribute is beautiful and paints such a loving picture of your son. My heart aches for you. I do not know your family, or Sam, but I lost my own son Sam this past September at the age of 22. I know your pain and send my deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to you. I will be praying for you.
There are no words for your loss. May you find comfort through sharing memories of Sam, remembering his kind, gentle-hearted soul, and leaning on each other for support. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We became aware of this tragedy yesterday morning in church at North Leamington Mennonite. We felt a sense of profound sadness as we pondered this huge loss of Your precious child. We will join many others in prayer for your family , your parents, and extended family.
Edgar & Mary-Anne Konrad
The Grant’s Farm team is deeply saddened by the loss of such an outstanding individual. He was an exceptional team member and such a kind and caring person. Sam will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to the Driedger Family for this unfathomable loss.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Driedger family. I was lucky to have Sam in PE class at Point Elementary. His spirit was always so kind and gentle and a great friend to all. My heart goes out to Lila and Will. To Mr. and Mrs. Driedger, what a beautiful testament you wrote about your son. May you all find peace in this difficult time.
Sam’s family & friends, I met Sam thru my grandson, Spencer, one of Sam’s friends all his life. Sam’s warm smile drew you near him. Our hearts go out to the family and friends. I believe his soul will be with you just look for the signs. Praying for everyone Sam touched in their lives on earth.
We were deeply saddened to learn of Sam’s passing and want you to know that your friends in Canada are thinking of you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss, but know that you will find strength amongst your family and friends.
Erin, Jason, Will and Lila. Our hearts are with you today. We cannot imagine the anguish you feel at the loss of such a fine son. Although we are many miles away , please know that our thoughts are with you. Your description of Sam is so eloquent. We love you and wish we could be there to hug you. John and Judy
I’m terribly sorry for your loss. Sam and I were close in elementary school and hearing news of his passing has brought up old memories of time we spent together as kids. I cannot begin to imagine the pain your family is faced with. Please accept my condolences, and may you all find peace.