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. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Some of the Christian-themed figurines feature Bible verses or children praying.