SUN CITY, Ariz. - Eugene Lonson Seeley was born November 29, 1926, at Yankton, SD, and died March 21, 2008, in Sun City, AZ. He was one of five children of Justus (Burt) and Margaret Seeley. He was educated in Yankton where he was active in sports, music and photography. He loved and participated in all high school sports from basketball and track to football. His other love, music, led him to be a lead percussionist in the high school orchestra and swing band. He even played for the local radio station, WNAX. One would often see Gene marching in his football uniform at half time a man of many talents. He graduated from high school in May, 1944, and the next month enlisted in the U.S. Army. In December, 1944, he was sent to the South Pacific where he served as a medic in the 185th Infantry, and was honorably discharged in December, 1946. Gene enrolled in Yankton College in January, 1947. He married his college sweetheart, Helen Raabe, in Anaheim, CA, in September, 1948. From this union came two children, David and Deborah. Gene and Helen made their home in Brookings where they both attended South Dakota State University. Completing his medical technologist training, he went to work at Sioux Valley and the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls until 1953. They then moved to Rapid City where Gene managed the medical laboratory at Bennett Clarkson Hospital and Rapid City Regional Hospital. He received many honors in his field and was awarded Medical Technologist of South Dakota in 1964. After 37 years' service, he retired in 1990 and they moved to Arizona in 1994. Gene was active in his community and was a lifetime member of Kiwanis International and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. His other passions were traveling, being with his family and playing cards and golf. He even had the opportunity to join the "Hole In One" Club. Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Helen; his daughter, Debbie Fanning (Charles); his daughter in law, Cathy Seeley; four grandchildren, Chris Seeley (Gabrielle); Michael Seeley (Jennifer); Stephanie Seeley, and Tiffany Stevenson (David), along with four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; mother; two brothers; two sisters; his son, David, and an infant great-grandson. Gene had a kind and caring heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand to his fellow man. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Sunshine Services, 9980 West Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351. Services in Sun City will be held Thursday, March 27, 2008.
Published in the Rapid City Journal on 3/27/2008.
|
