East Alton—Samuel Michael Huch, 40, passed away February 3, 2026.

Born Nov. 27, 1985 in Alton, he was a son of Stephen M. Huch and Tina Marie (Osborne) Huch.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Sam worked as a laborer for Local #338 in Wood River.  He enjoyed anything outdoors:  camping, fishing, hiking, and canoeing.  A music lover, he also loved animals and helping anyone who needed it.  He had a contagious smile, and was loved by all.

Sam loved his family, and they will miss him dearly.  He is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Nation) Huch; his children, Brooklyn, Noah and Declan Huch; his parents, Stephen M. and Myra Huch of East Alton and Tina Marie Huch of Alton; his siblings, Stephen Joseph (Jessica) Huch of East Alton, Louis Christopher Huch of Wood River, Jennifer (Steven) Campbell of Alton, and Christopher Huch of Wood River; nieces and nephews, Megan and Mason Meyer, T.J. Nation, Grace Huch, and Audrina and Jack Campbell; a sister-in-law, Desha (Matt) Meyer of Bethalto; a brother-in-law, Matt (Cassie) Nation of East Alton; his parents-in-law, Joe and Cathy Nation of East Alton; and his best friend since childhood, Alex Slow.  Alex and Sam were inseparable.

Memorial visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Paynic Home for Funerals.  Memorial funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 at The Bridge Church, 504 East 12th Street in Alton.

Memorials may be made to Sam's family to provide for his children's education.

An online guestbook and information is available at www.paynicfh.com