Lewis Samuel "Sam" Thayer, 76, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away on February 18, 2025 at his home in North Platte.  He was born on September 1, 1948 to Lawrence Thayer and Zala (Roberts) Stinman in Maywood, Nebraska.

Sam grew up in Stockville, Nebraska.  He graduated from Bartley High School with the class of 1966.  He worked at Fairmont Foods before he was drafted to the US Army serving in Vietnam.  After he returned from the service he went back to work for Fairmont Foods.  In 1976 he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad, retiring in 2008 as a carman.  Sam was united in marriage to Sharon Gress on November 20, 1970 in Paxton, Nebraska at the Methodist Church.  The couple lived in North Platte, Hershey, Maxwell and then moved back to North Platte in 2012.   Sam had a passion for motorcycles and Ridgeline pickups.  He loved his family, Maine Coon cats and schnauzers, not always in that order.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon of North Platte, Nebraska; son, Shad (Sara Beth) Thayer, North Platte, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jade Thayer, Peru, Nebraska, Vivian Thayer, Marysville, Kansas; sister, Peg (Rob) Janas, North Platte, Nebraska; along with numerous other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Zala; sister, Linda Thayer.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 24, 2025, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska with Military Honors.  Brett Hathaway will be officiating.  Visitation will be from noon – 5:00, Friday, February 21, 2025 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is assisting the family.