George Henry Seely
June 5, 1931 – July 4, 2016
BARBERTON — George Henry Seely, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 4, 2016.
He was born June 5, 1931 in Franklin, Ohio to the late Rev. Ray and Elma Seely. He graduated from Columbus Grove High School in 1951 where he excelled in basketball and baseball and was involved in other groups and activities. Immortalized in the yearbook, he was given the title “King of the Baking Art”. After graduation he stayed in Columbus Grove and worked in the local bakery where he perfected his talent of making doughnuts.
After moving to Barberton, Ohio in 1954 he began his career with PPG Industries Inc. where he worked until retirement.
George became an active member of the Columbia United Church of Christ where his father was the pastor. During this time he met the love of his life, Janice Lancaster, on a blind date. They were married shortly after on June 12, 1954 and spent 56 glorious years together. They served on many church committees and always volunteered to help with activities. In 1956, George and Jan became one of the original couples to form the “Welcomers Social Group” which is still active to this day.
George was very proud of his family and spent much of his free time researching his ancestors history, which led him to many court houses throughout Wisconsin and New York. In addition, he joined the Seely Genealogical Society and was very active. He loved to fish at the family farm in Pennsylvania, and also enjoyed ice fishing. He enjoyed working puzzles with his brothers and could produce some of the most beautiful gardens around his home.
His love of baking and cooking was enjoyed by many, especially when he made his famous coleslaw.
George’s devotion to his family, his church, and his community service were the hallmarks of his life. George was outwardly quiet, exuded kindness and found great joy in visiting with those around him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Seely; his infant son, Mark Ray Seely; brothers-in-law, Donald Mitchell and Walter Humphreys.
He is survived by his brothers, Preston (Marjorie) Seely, Robert Seely; sister, Margaret Humphreys; 21 nieces and nephews, and countless great-nieces and nephews and friends.
George lost his wife Janice in 2010. He enjoyed any opportunity for friends and family to visit, so he could show them his favorite picture of Jan in her nurse uniform and proclaim “Wasn’t she just beautiful!” Their love story was truly a “happily ever after” as George chose Jan’s birthday as the day he went home to be with the Lord.
George’s family would like to thank the staff at Pleasant View Health Care Center for the outstanding care they provided, Rev. Henniger for all of his assistance, and Marsha Mitchell for her devoted care-giving over the years, and the members of Columbia United Church of Christ who kept George and his family in their prayers.
Funeral service will be held Friday, 11 a.m. at Columbia United Church of Christ, 978 Wooster Road W., Barberton 44203, with Rev. John Henniger officiating. Burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton 44203 and also one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.
Published in Akron Beacon Journal from July 6 to July 7, 2016
[Great-grandson of SGS #3916 – George H.; Ray Monroe; George Washington; Franklin Edgerly (#3916); Theron Barley (#1768); Thaddeus; John; Ebenezer; Jonas; Obadiah]
