Samuel Easton Slagel

Samuel Easton Slagel of Collinsville, IL died on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was 88 years old.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his nephew, Michael Collier in 2004; his brother, Wayne Slagel in 2012; his brother-in-law, Gary Gieser later in 2012; and by his sister, Mary Catherine Collier in 2020.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Brown and her husband Rick Street of Golconda, IL; granddaughter, Meghan Adeline Brown of Paducah, KY; sister Janice Slagel Gieser of Hemet, CA; sister-in-law Carolyn Slagel of Manteno, IL, special family member and life-long friend Jean (Mike) Greek of Panama, IL, and eight nieces and nephews.

Sam was born in Panama, IL on August 10, 1936, the son of Howard “Chub” and Bessie Beckham Slagel. He graduated from Hillsboro HS, and then earned his B.S., M.S. and Specialist Degrees from Southern IL University, majoring in Mathematics and Chemistry. He taught math and science at several schools in southern IL, including Karnak, Pope County, Lawrenceville, and Sparta. He served as Principal at Alto Pass, Ellis Grove, and Evansville schools before deciding to pursue other interests. Years later he worked in Wood River, IL as a union laborer and steward, helping to put his daughter through college, before a serious injury left him disabled in 1985.

Sam loved his freedom. He traveled extensively and picked up work along the way to sustain his adventures across the US and beyond. He eventually returned to Panama, where he cared for his beloved mother at home until her passing. When he was no longer able to care for himself at home he continued to strive for his independence, eventually finding his “happy place” in an assisted living apartment in Collinsville. He was blessed with an outstanding home health caregiver, Theresa Troeckler of Sorento, who faithfully served him for the last 4+ years of his life, becoming like part of the family.

Sam enjoyed gambling, and he faithfully followed Cardinals baseball on KMOX. In the off season he made a point to watch every televised NFL game. Despite his physical challenges, he maintained his mental sharpness and control over his life situation until the very end, just as he wished. On the day he entered hospice he received a parade of visitors, voice mails, and phone calls from his closest loved ones. It was a beautiful goodbye.

Pitchford Funeral Home of Wood River handled his final arrangements. Sam was cremated, and although he requested no official memorial service, family and friends will fondly remember his life as we gather informally in the coming weeks and months.