By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
6 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Friday, January 3, 2025

    9:00 to 11:00 am

    St. Paul UCC in Belleville, IL

  • Service

    Memorial Service:

    Friday, January 3, 2025

    11:00 am

    St. Paul UCC in Belleville, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Samuel S. Sivewright, 78, of Highland, IL, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at home, after a long battle with cancer.

    He was born on July 14, 1946, in Kansas City, MO, to Richard S. and Mary O. (nee Broyles) Sivewright. Sam graduated from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis, MO, in 1965 and in 1971, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.

    Sam’s career included employment with the St. Louis District Corps. of Engineers, Commonwealth Edison, Chicago, IL, and the United States Air Force (375th Civil Engineer Squadron and HQ Air Mobility Command), Scott Air Force Base, IL, where he retired as Utility Branch Chief. Following retirement from the Air Force after 30 years, he served as Director of Light and Power for the City of Highland, IL.

    His career also included service with the Missouri Air National Guard at Lambert and Jefferson Barracks. Sam enlisted in the Guard in 1965 as an Airman Basic and retired as a Colonel in 2003. He served in the 131st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 131st Civil Engineer Squadron, and retired as Commander of the 231st Civil Engineer Flight. Sam’s service included serving as Commander of the first Missouri Guard deployment during the Great Flood of 1993 to West Alton, MO, for which he received the Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal.

    Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Richard S. and Mary O. (nee Broyles) Sivewright.

    He was survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Susan L. (nee Heidenfelder) Sivewright; children, Elliot S. Sivewright, Elmhurst, IL, and Ethan P. (Tina) Sivewright, Kalamazoo, MI; former daughter-in-law, Kelly Sivewright, Elmhurst, IL; grandchildren, Camden, Brady, Brynn, and Ashton; siblings, Benjamin L. Sivewright, Shawnee Mission, KS, Sharon Brooks, Columbia, MO, and Brenda (Dan) Winkle, Independence, MO; former sister-in-law, Vicky Sivewright, Prairie Village, KS; niece, Courtney (Sean) Dougherty; and nephew, Conner (Ally) Sivewright.

    Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul UCC in Belleville or STL CURE Sarcoma.

    Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.meridithfuneralhome.com

    Memorial Visitation: Friday, January 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at St. Paul UCC in Belleville, IL

    Memorial Service: Friday, January 3, 2025, 11:00 am, at St. Paul UCC in Belleville, IL

    Clergy: Pastor Michelle Torigian

    Interment: a private burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

6 Condolences
 
  1. Don and Suzanne Don Barbiea / December 28, 2024 at 11:05 am

    Til Valhalla Colonel, you were a great leader and you lead us by example. You will be missed. Prayers for Susan and the family.

    Don Barbiea
    231 CEF, retired

  2. Kevin Limestall / December 28, 2024 at 5:37 pm

    My condolences to Susan and the family. I really enjoyed working with Sam at the City of Highland.

  3. Mark Everett / December 29, 2024 at 3:36 pm

    So sorry to hear my friend Sam passed away. I worked many years with Sam at Scott Air Force Base and later when he was director of light and power at the city of Highland..

    In addition, we had a common connection in our service history in the Air Force and mine in the army both of us retiring as Colonels and we shared so many fun stories and memories.

    I’ll miss him greatly.

  4. Michael Flahive / December 30, 2024 at 12:04 pm

    My condolences to Sue and Sam’s family. Sam was a wonderful friend and co-worker at HQ AMC Civil Engineering. We had many talks about work. He was a very sharp and knowledgable person. I relied on his guidance and opinions a lot. He will be missed.

  5. MICHAEL FLAHIVE / December 30, 2024 at 12:11 pm

    My Condolences to Sam’s Family. What a Great person Sam was. His legacy will live on forever. Always willing to help out and work to resolve issues with great recommendations. He will be missed!

  6. MICHAEL FLAHIVE / December 30, 2024 at 12:13 pm

    My Condolences to Sam’s Family. What a Great person Sam was. His legacy will live on forever. Always willing to help out and work to resolve issues with great recommendations. He always took the time to help me out with issues. He will be missed!

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