Samuel Irving Chestnut, 91, of Lincoln, Kansas, passed away on June 29, 2026.
Sam was born on February 16, 1935, in the family home at 600 Main Street in Quinter, Kansas, to Calvin and Elizabeth (McWilliams) Chestnut. He was raised on the family farm 14 miles north of Quinter, graduated from Quinter High School with the Class of 1953, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from Kansas State University.
On February 21, 1959, Sam was united in marriage to Norma Louise Bollinger at the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Quinter. Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage.
Sam was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord. He was a lifelong member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Quinter, where he faithfully served as a deacon for 56 years.
Throughout his career, Sam worked as a land surveyor, appraiser, and banker. However, his favorite occupation was serving as the maintenance man at Gove County Medical Center and Long Term Care, where he took great pride in caring for others.
Family was the center of Sam's life. He especially treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren, Matthew, Daniel, and Katie. Each grandchild enjoyed a special week every year with "Grammie and Grandpa Chestnut," often filled with road trips to historic sites throughout Kansas. He also cherished time spent with his brothers, sister, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family—not out of obligation, but because of his genuine love for each of them.
Sam had a lifelong passion for history and music. He was a founding member of the Smoky Hill Trail Association and the Quinter Historical Society. Until recently, he was also a member of The Sunflower Chorus Barbershop Quartet. He enjoyed collecting antique firearms and was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association.
He is survived by his loving wife, Norma Chestnut of Lincoln, Kansas; daughter, Kathy Chestnut of Topeka, Kansas; son, Kevin (Sue) Chestnut of Gladstone, Missouri; grandchildren, Matthew Chestnut, Daniel Chestnut, and Katie Chestnut; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Elizabeth (McWilliams) Chestnut; brothers, J.C. Chestnut and Chester Chestnut; and nephew, Jimmy Elmer Chestnut.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Church of the Brethren in Quinter, Kansas, with burial following at Baker Township Cemetery in Quinter.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Quinter Historical Society or the Quinter Reformed Presbyterian Church and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main Street, Quinter, KS 67752.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.