Samuel David Schoonmaker

Samuel “Sambo” Schoonmaker, age 55, a beloved husband, devoted father, and loyal friend, passed away and leaves behind a deep tenderness in the hearts of all who knew him. Sambo was a man of rare goodness — steady, kind, compassionate — and he carried that goodness with a humor and wit that could brighten even the hardest day. His quick one-liners, playful teasing, and easy smile made him unforgettable.

Sambo’s greatest joy was his family. He was the loving husband of Amy, sharing a life filled with deep love, laughter, and the kind of everyday companionship that made their bond strong. As a father, he treasured his children — Chelsea Necaise (Brandan), Hunter Schoonmaker (Alissa), and Kylie Saucier (Peyton). To them, he was a protector, a steady place to land, and the one who could make even the heaviest moment feel lighter with a grin or a joke.

His gentle spirit and quiet strength shaped the way he loved people. Sambo was the friend who showed up, helped out, listened, laughed, and made life better simply by being who he was. His kindness was steady and sincere, and his humor brought warmth to every room he entered.

Sambo found joy in the outdoors. He loved dog hunting, camping, and riding down the seawall with the windows down, enjoying the wind and the view. One of his favorite simple pleasures was throwing his cast net, soaking in the peace of the water and the satisfaction of being out in nature. Those slow, quiet moments — in the woods or by the water — were where he felt most himself.

Sambo is preceded in death by his father, Frank Schoonmaker. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Amy Schoonmaker; mother, Cynthia Schoonmaker; daughter, Chelsea (Brandan) Necaise; son, Hunter (Alissa) Schoonmaker; grandchildren, Jaxon, Bronx, Avery, Nolan, Kolby, and Greyson; and sister, Crystal Alexander.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, humor, and a good heart that will never be forgotten. His absence leaves an ache that words can’t fully hold, but the memories of his laughter, kindness, and unmistakable wit will continue to shine in the lives of those who loved him.

Services will be held at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, Bay Saint Louis, MS, on Monday, December 15, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Bayou LaCroix Cemetery.

Sambo was a loving husband, a proud father, a faithful friend — funny, witty, and truly one of a kind.