Precious Moments figurines creator Sam Butcher dies at age 85

Sam Butcher, the artist behind the teardrop-eyed, inches-high Precious Moments figurines that captivated collectors since the 1970s, has died. He was 85.
The founder of Precious Moments Inc. died early Monday surrounded by family, the company said in a Facebook post.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Precious Moments’ beloved founder, Sam Butcher, who was called home to God in the early morning hours today, surrounded by loved ones,” the Christian giftware company said, without revealing a cause.
“In his final words he shared that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were with him, and that it was beautiful.”
Born in Jackson, Mich., in 1939, Butcher started drawing and sketching as a child. With his family too poor to afford art supplies, Butcher scavenged rolls of paper from a factory dumpsite and used discarded automotive paint, Precious Moments said in a media release.
Butcher started out illustrating Bible stories on a children’s ministry television program, drawing as he spoke. Drawings turned into greeting cards, and greeting cards into their ceramic counterparts, which debuted in 1975.
Bible stories populated most of his drawings, reflecting his deep spiritual and religious commitment, but all areas of life were represented. Disdained as kitschy by many, the porcelain statuettes had an undeniable appeal, and collectors cherished them, amassing them by the hundreds or even thousands.
Love for the fetching figures remains strong, supported by the Precious Moments Inspiration Park and Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri, where the company is based. Halfway across the world, residents of New Washington, in The Philippines’ Aklan province, mourned the loss of a mentor to the small, close-knit community where he established and operated a resort, Sampaguita Gardens.
“Mr. Butcher’s impact on New Washington is immeasurable, and his memory will be forever etched in the hearts of all who experienced the beauty of Sampaguita Gardens.” New Washington Mayor Jessica Panambo said Tuesday, according to local news site Rappler.
The company plans to release a commemorative Precious Moments figurine honoring Butcher, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” the statement said.
With News Wire Services