Samuel “Sam” Newell
Samuel Lee “Sam” Newell, 59, of Crooksville, Ohio, passed away September 3, 2026, following a long battle with cancer.
Sam was born April 6, 1967, in Toledo, Ohio, to Daniel “Butch” and Mary Newell and was raised in Holland, Ohio. He attended Fulton Local School, also known as “Ai School,” before graduating from Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio, in 1985.
Following high school, Sam moved to Florida with his brother, Matthew, and later enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was stationed in Memphis. Following his time in the service, he moved to Arizona to be near and help his maternal grandparents, Samuel and Janie Bowles, in Pima. While in Arizona, he worked as a lead cook at Jerry’s Restaurant in Safford AZ. where he met the love of his life “Stephenie” and continued pursuing his natural talent for mechanical work.
Sam returned to Ohio in 2000 with his son and family, and began working at the Holland Airport. He later joined Amanda Bent Bolt, first working at the Deshler facility and eventually transferring to the Logan plant when the Deshler facility closed. He ultimately took an early retirement due to declining health.
Sam was a strong-willed, straightforward man who was never afraid to speak his mind. He was exceptionally mechanically gifted and had a natural ability to understand how things worked. Family, friends and others often turned to him for advice when something needed repaired or figured out. He inherited that mechanical ability from his father, Butch, who worked for Chrysler and spent years repairing, painting and selling cars from the family garage.
Sam enjoyed hunting, golf, playing pool, riding his Harley-Davidson, fast cars, boating, jet skis and spending time with friends. He had a particular love for his 1977 Corvette, His pride and joy. He also took pride in his involvement with the New Lexington Riders motorcycle club. Some of Sam’s happiest memories were made with his family. He enjoyed summers at Lucy’s 22 on the river with his parents and family, spending time on the water and enjoying the outdoors. He also raised 2 horses and a pony with his family for several years.
Above all else, Sam cherished his children and granddaughter. His granddaughter, five-year-old Annabelle, whom she lovingly called “Papa,” held a particularly special place in his heart. One of his favorite pastimes was playing Nerf guns with her.
Sam was preceded in death by Wilbur, the owner of Amanda Bent Bolt and a person who held a very special place in Sam’s life. He is survived by his Mother, Mary “Kathy” Newell; Father, Daniel “Butch” Newell; Brother, Matthew Newell; Sister, Janie Newell; Son, Samuel Newell; Daughter, Jordan Black; Son, Nathanael Newell; Granddaughter, Annabelle Black; three nieces and one nephew.
Sam’s family will remember his love of family, his mechanical mind, his independent spirit, his love of adventure and his unmistakable way of looking at life. Two phrases he was known for saying were, “It is what it is,” and, “The one thing I did was, raised good kids.”
Following cremation, no formal services are planned.
Roberts-Winegardner Funeral Home, 304 Mill Street, New Lexington, Ohio in charge of arrangements.
Obituary, online register book and condolences at www.robertsfuneralhomenewlex.com
