Samuel David Capps, age 17, of Washington passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019, in the presence of his family, at St. Louis Childrens Hospital, following a sudden cardiac arrest.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Samuel's Life will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Believers Bible Chapel , 2032 Hwy 50 W., Union, Missouri. Samuel will be privately laid to rest at his family's property in Ava, Missouri.

Samuel is the youngest son of Timothy E. and Mary M. "Peggy" (Schmickley) Capps. He is the brother of Andrew J. Schmickley of New York, NY, Sarah J. Capps of Ballwin, MO, Daniel T. & (wife) Jessica (Zeh) Capps of Marthasville, MO, Helen E. Capps of Fenton, MO and Olivia M. Capps of Washington, MO; Samuel is the grandson of William E. (dec) & Leota Faye (LaRue) Capps of St Ann, MO, Bonnie L. (Pestotnik) Schmickley (dec) and Dennis L. & (wife) Marilyn Schmickley of Scottsdale, AZ.

Samuel was born on August 22, 2001, in Washington, Missouri, where he resided his entire life.

Samuel was very beloved. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart, his whole life was a miracle, and he lived his 17 years with joy.

Samuel was homeschooled alongside his brothers and sisters. Their example, encouragement, and companionship helped him to overcome many of the challenges of Autism and to grow into the young man he was. From them, he learned not only to sit and do his schoolwork, but also Lego StarWars tatics, secret handshakes, how to ride a bike and shoot hoops, and many other things, as he received their unconditional love. He taught them compassion and kindness.

Samuel had few words, yet everything about him spoke volumes. He was content with simple things – calculators, balloons, puzzles; riding 'shotgun' on family drives, with windows rolled down.

Samuel was a longtime rider at Exceptional Equestrians of the Missouri Valley, greatly enjoying trail rides. His teachers watched him grow from a little boy with terrific balance who belly-laughed while astride a cantering horse, into a young man who was finding his voice.

More than anything, Samuel loved being home with his family, held by his Daddy, read to by his mother. He loved to hear the Bible read, especially Psalm 100. He loved Jesus.

Now, Samuel is home with Jesus, and we are THANKFUL for our time with him here.

Samuel will always be "Our Little Buddy."

Memorial donations in Samuel's name can be made to your local physician to help relieve financial obligations of needy clients, or to Exceptional Equestrians of the Missouri Valley (www.eemv.org).