Artist who created Precious Moments figurines depicting teardrop-eyed children dies at the age of 85

Artist who created Precious Moments figurines depicting teardrop-eyed children dies at the age of 85

Artist who created Precious Moments figurines depicting teardrop-eyed children dies at the age of 85

The artist who created the Precious Moments figurines depicting angelic teardrop-eyed children has died

ByThe Associated Press

May 23, 2024, 12:29 PM

    CARTHAGE, Mo. -- Sam Butcher, the artist who created the Precious Moments figurines depicting angelic teardrop-eyed children, has died. He was 85.

    The company said in a Facebook post that he died early Monday surrounded by family. It said his life's mission was “to share God’s gift of love with the world.” No details about his cause of death were provided.

    Some of the Christian-themed figurines feature Bible verses or children praying. Fans have collections numbering in the hundreds, while critics deride them as kitsch.

    Butcher's childhood love of illustrating got a wider audience when he began telling Bible stories on a children’s ministry television show while he drew. That experience led to him cofounding a business in 1974 named Jonathan & David after the biblical figures, according to his online obituary.

    Early offerings included greeting cards. And within a few years, those drawings were transformed into porcelain figurines.

    Thousands of designs have been produced over the decades, and fans of his work flock each year to the Precious Moments Inspiration Park and Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri.

    The cornerstone of the pastel-painted, non-denominational oasis is the chapel, which Butcher was inspired to build by a 1983 trip to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. It includes 52 Biblical murals that cover more than 5,000 square feet.

    OTHER NEWS

    20 minutes ago

    Latrell Mitchell earns NSW State of Origin call up as Michael Maguire makes shock move in axing TWO Sharks stars for do-or-die clash with Queensland

    25 minutes ago

    Irish weather: Sunny spells and temperatures to hit 20 degrees – but heavy rain still on the cards

    25 minutes ago

    France : protesters stand up to far-right ahead of elections

    25 minutes ago

    Zelensky Expects Ukraine to Send a Peace Proposal to Moscow

    25 minutes ago

    Climate is too serious to be obstructed by politics

    26 minutes ago

    Chris Billam-Smith, Richard Riakporhe and the truth about winning ugly

    26 minutes ago

    LGBT soldiers in Ukraine hope service is changing attitudes as they rally for rights

    26 minutes ago

    Kirsten Dunst is the epitome of elegance in a strappy semi-sheer black gown as she attends the Critics Choice Real TV Awards

    26 minutes ago

    How much does it really cost to retire to Spain? Everything you need to know before taking the leap (and it's less money than you might think!)

    26 minutes ago

    How much does it really cost to retire to Spain? Everything you need to know before taking the leap (and it's less money than you might think!)

    26 minutes ago

    BYD Seal electric vehicle owner's embarrassing mistake on Perth's City Beach

    30 minutes ago

    Kaizer Chiefs: Nasreddine Nabi receives another offer!

    30 minutes ago

    Brighton announce Fabian Hürzeler appointment

    30 minutes ago

    Ten-year US-Ukraine security deal is a 'landmark event', FM Kuleba says

    30 minutes ago

    Ways Charlotte stepped up for beloved mum as Kate Middleton made triumphant return

    30 minutes ago

    Majorcans take over tiny cove amid island's anti-tourism backlash

    30 minutes ago

    T20 World Cup: How does the Super 8 stage work

    30 minutes ago

    Bulls set to lose another Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok for URC Grand Final against Glasgow Warriors

    33 minutes ago

    Former Everton star Frank D'Arcy dies aged 77, as Toffees pay tribute to their title-winning defender

    36 minutes ago

    Ron Washington won't let losses deter belief in Angels: 'Ain't no damn failure'

    37 minutes ago

    General election 2024 live: Tories could win just 72 seats in next Parliament, new Survation poll says

    37 minutes ago

    Slovenia v Denmark LIVE: Euro 2024 team news, line-ups and more today

    37 minutes ago

    Gino D'Acampo 'rakes in £6m in two years' after he 'failed to pay £5m to staff and taxman' when his My Pasta Bar chain went under

    37 minutes ago

    'Britain's FBI' investigating PPE scandal linked to 'Baroness Bra' Michelle Mone interview at least five suspects under caution - as case reaches China

    37 minutes ago

    The Entire Young Sheldon Timeline Explained

    40 minutes ago

    John Sterling’s kids reveal what it’s like to have the legendary Yankees announcer as a dad: ‘Unlike any other human’

    41 minutes ago

    Londis shop orders staff to pour famous cider down drain over 'stolen' name

    41 minutes ago

    Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire proposal 'consistent' with principles of US plan, leader says

    41 minutes ago

    Top model Josh: ‘Celebs love me because I’m a Kiwi’

    42 minutes ago

    Greene homers twice and has a career-best 6 RBIs as Tigers rout Astros 13-5

    42 minutes ago

    Boozy England fans drink in the Euro 2024 atmosphere ahead of first game vs Serbia

    45 minutes ago

    Playwright James Graham: ‘We’re still living in Thatcher’s country’

    45 minutes ago

    Kate Middleton - latest: Prince William shares sweet message day after Princess returns to public duties

    46 minutes ago

    Poland vs Netherlands LIVE: Euro 2024 team news and line-ups ahead of Group D clash as Robert Lewandowski out

    46 minutes ago

    China is getting too much rain in the south and not enough rain, plus a heat wave, in the north

    47 minutes ago

    As the Raspberry Pi share price soars, is it set to be a great UK growth success?

    47 minutes ago

    World leaders condemn Putin's 'dictatorial' Ukraine ceasefire proposal

    47 minutes ago

    Richie Sambora on Bon Jovi docuseries: 'That's one person's perspective'

    47 minutes ago

    With a forward P/E of 3.28x, could this FTSE 250 stock make me rich?

    47 minutes ago

    NASCAR radio station: Channel, live streams to listen to 2024 Iowa race broadcast