Physical Address
357 Agency Rd,
Lapwai, ID 83540
Sunrise: January 5, 1967
Sunset: December 12, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Samway Daniel Meshell, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, brother. Born in Spokane, Washington, to Samway D. Meshell and Nellie Jayne Axtell, Samway was proud of his Kalispel/Nez Perce heritage. Although enrolled as Kalispel, he cherished the teachings and traditions of his Nez Perce ancestors throughout his life.
Samway spent his early years in Spokane before moving to the “Old House” in Chaweekta, Idaho, at the age of five. His family later relocated to Lindsey Creek in Lewiston, Idaho, where he attended Garfield Elementary School. At the age of seven, they moved to Lapwai, where Samway attended school until his Freshman year. He then moved to Salem, Oregon, to attend Chemewa Indian School, before moving to Toppenish, Washington, to attend Yakama Tribal School.
In 1984, Samway met the mother of his four oldest children, Shantel Ashley, Sheila Antoinette, Shannon Anastasia, and Shawn Anthony Meshell. All their initials spell SAM, he often joked that he wanted to make sure their mother would always remember him. The family lived in Wapato, Washington, for several years. After about six years, Samway moved back to Lapwai, where he created a home for his youngest son, Samway Meshell III. As a single father, Samway raised his son with the help of his mother and sister.
Throughout his life, Samway worked in various jobs, including at the Yakama Fruit Packing Plant, the Nez Perce Tribe Forestry where he served as a firefighter and on the burn crew, and at the Nez Perce National Park Service.
Samway enjoyed traveling throughout the Northwest playing stickgame and basketball. He also played football for the Baby Wildcats in his younger years. He would say that all he needed was his backpack and he would be fine. He loved to go hunting, fishing, and camping. Family time was of important to him, and he loved to attend Mudsprings every August with his family.
A proud grandfather, Samway found immense joy in spending time with his ten grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, and he often spoke of how proud he was of them as well as their parents. He loved his children and grandchildren very much.
Samway, also known to many as “Cheeze,” lived at the family home in Domebo Flats near Lapwai with his brother Neil, his son Samway, and his significant other, Lucy. Their home was always open to others, whether they were visiting from out of town or simply just needed a place to stay, the door was always open. He will be missed for his laughter, love and kindness.
He is survived by his daughters, Shantel, Sheila, Shannon, and son Shawn, all of Washington, as well as his son Samway Meshell III at the family home. He is also survived by his grandchildren Makyle Spino, Ashley Meshell, Dakota Valenzuela, Kalynn Valenzuela, Mia Adams, Vikto Lama-Slockish, Ama Lamas Slockish, Asher Burns, Amayah Meshell and Jessa Meshell, who brought him much joy throughout his life. He is also survived by his Brother Neil Meshell of Lapwai, Sylvia Meshell of Usk, Valveeta Hunt of Chaweekta, Uncle Charles Axtell, Aunt Jeanette Allen and many of his cousins and friends he called Brother and Sisters.
Preceded by Death by maternal grandparents Iva R. Wilson, Horace Axtell, paternal grandparents Annie Agnes Cullooyah, mother, Nellie J Axtell, father, Samway D. Meshell Sr, siblings – Ima A. Meshell-Galler, David A. “Batman” Meshell, Elva E. Meshell, Alvin “Ote” Meshell, Charles Axtell. Maternal aunts Patricia Higheagle, Cassandra Kipp, uncles Purnell Axtell, John Allen and Dean-O Allen.
Samway will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, and connection to his heritage will live on in his family.
