Samuel Dean Ivey

Samuel Dean Ivey, 89, a lifelong resident of the Midway community, passed away on October 10, 2025. He was born to proud parents, Ernest Freeman and Ethel Alvin (Starns) Ivey in Midway, Texas on May 31, 1936. Sam went on to live a life characterized by sacrifice and service to his family and others around him.

Finding a place to begin reflecting on Sam’s life is challenging since it was so full of meaningful experiences and examples worth following. After his dad passed away, he left the family home as a teenager to go to work in Houston, Texas to provide for his family. He had never been anywhere before this, yet Sam, who never moved beyond an eighth grade education, braved the future and went to work and never looked back.

Sam was as tough as they came, and strong to boot, but this was balanced perfectly with overflowing kindness and a gentle disposition. He was a bull rider in his younger days and rode at the Houston Fatstock Show and Rodeo. As he got older, Sam still enjoyed talking about those days. He was comfortable outside and loved fishing and hunting whenever he got the chance.

Over the course of his life, Sam grew into his big ol’ heart and always looked after his family with great eagerness. He felt compelled to make sure they had whatever they needed. Sam was generous and never questioned doing what was necessary to help someone, which included literally giving the shirt off his back to those dealing with a tough situation.

Sam was an all-around good man for many reasons. While he cared and loved those around him, he had a special adoration for his family. He missed his wife, Lela Nell and always doted on his girls. Sam genuinely touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Sam was preceded in death by both parents; wife, Lela Nell (Jett) Ivey; daughters, Jetta Karen Ivey and Denise Smotek; sisters, Marie Selman, Ernestine Coleman and Alene Drake; and brother, Tommy Doyle Ivey.

Those left to cherish Sam’s memory are his brother, Dennis Ivey (Carolyn); sisters, Adna Hawthorne and Martha Bryan; grandchildren, Justin Smotek (Ashlynn); and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

A funeral service for Sam Ivey, officiated by his brother, pastor Dennis Ivey, will be held in the chapel of the Madisonville Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 2 P.M. and visitation will be held one hour before. Burial will follow in Midway Cemetery, Midway, Texas.

Final arrangements for Samuel Dean Ivey are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.