Mr. Seeley was born Oct. 26, 1924 in St. Charles, Mich. He lived most of his life in this area. He was employed as a bartender at the Park-Mor tavern. Mr. Seeley was a former police chief of Greenbush, Minn.
His wife survives, as does one stepchild, Pamela. He also leaves two brothers, Mickey (Dick), of Benton Harbor, and Robert, of Rockford, and one sister Pearl.
Mr. Seeley was a veteran of World War II, having served with the Marine corps in the South Pacific.
Published in The Herald Press, (Saint Joseph, MI) Wednesday June 27, 1956 page 14
Funeral Services Held For Accident Victims
Services for Michael Seeley and James Akins, who were killed Tuesday in an automobile-tractor accident, were held Friday from the Dean and Dey Bros. chapel, Benton Harbor.
The services for Mr. Seeley were at 1:30 p.m. and for Mr. Akins at 3:30 p.m.
Michael Seeley
The Rev. Richard Cagle of the First Baptist church, Morrisonville, Ill., officiated at the rites for Mr. Seeley, in the absence of the Rev. William Hoover. Mrs. Donald Peters was organist.
Military graveside services for Michael Seeley, 424 Broadway, Benton Harbor, were conducted by the American Legion Post 105, Chester Zwissler, commander. Harry Lemke was chaplain.
Members of the color guard were Donald Peterson, Joseph Cook, A.H. Hambaum and Clifford Crocker. The firing squad was composed of Olan Janes, Leon Smith, Robert LaBarge and Donald Roberts.
Casket bearers, members of the American Legion post were Ray Neary, Harry Lemke, Joseph Cook, John Brining, Clifford Crocker and A.H. Hambaum. Burial was in Crystal Springs cemetery, Benton Harbor.
Published in The Herald Press (Saint Joseph, MI) Saturday June 30, 1956 page 4
HOLDS KEY TO HOT-ROD CRASH
Injured Woman Says She Can Identify Driver Of Death Car
Mrs. Glade Martin, 40, 465 South Fan ave, Benton Harbor loomed as the key witness today in an attempt by Berrien sheriffs officers to prove that a Benton Harbor hot-rod owner was at the wheel of his car when it brought death to two persons.
Mrs. Martin still on the “critical” list at Mercy hospital told Berrien sheriffs officers during a brief questioning yesterday that she could identify the driver. When conditions permit, a show-up will be held.
Det. Chief Charles Andrews quoted her as saying she didn’t know either of the other two other occupants in the hot-rod very well.
Sheriff officers believe Edward Martin, 32, 1141 Paw Paw ave, Benton Harbor, owner of the car, which contained a 180 horsepower Chrysler engine, was driving the auto when it slammed into a tractor and another car. James Akins, 39, route 2, St. Joseph driver of the tractor, and Michael Seeley, 31, 424 Broadway, occupant of the hot-rod died in the crash.
Martin was taken into custody at his home after the accident. Later he was hospitalized at Mercy where he was listed as being in “fair” condition today.
Martin has told officers he doesn’t remember any details of the accident which occurred on M-139 near Somerleyton bridge, Tuesday evening.
Published in The Herald Press (Saint Joseph, MI) June 28, 1956, front Page
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