Edward Seymour

Edward Joseph Seymour, 82 of Decatur died 10:10 am. Sunday (January 2, 2005) in St. Mary's Hospital.

A memorial service will be 2:00 pm. Saturday (Jan15) in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (3773 MacArthur Rd. Decatur, IL. 62526). Following the Military Rites by the Macon County Honor Guard, a time for visiting with the family will be at the church at 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the church. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Edward was born in March of 1922 in Chicago, son of Leo Arthur and Margaret Dwyer Seymour. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, "Flying the Hump" The supply route in India and Burma supporting the U.S. troops in the Pacific. He received 3 Bronze Stars, the Army Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious service. At age 29 Edward came down with polio, during the 1950's polio epidemic. He showed great courage battling paralysis and the long-term effects of the disease. He moved to Decatur in 1959 with his family to start his own business, Seymour Homes. Over 700 homes were built in Decatur as well as the renovating of several low-income neighborhoods during his long career. Edward was former President of the Decatur Home Builders Association. He later worked as a Stock Brocker for A. G. Edwards. Edward was active in civic duties serving on the city council and planning commission. He was an active and founding member of the Unitarian Church, which he dearly loved. He was a member of the Rotary Club and served as Chairman of the March of Dimes.

He is survived by his daughter, Tara and husband Robert Shannon Hall, sons, Steve and wife Mary Seymour, Daniel and wife Sandy Seymour, Thomas and wife Haejung An Seymour, grandchildren Megan Ault, Casey & Chris Hall, Benjamin and Zachary Seymour, Camellia Bruce and Leah Behrns, Joshua and wife Rebecca Seymour, Jared Seymour and Jillian Seymour, seven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, brothers, Robert and Leo, sisters, Genevieve Gallasine, Hortense and Helen.

Many thanks to many friends who visited dad during the last few years of his deteriorating condition. Thanks to John Beidler, Unitarian Minister, Dr. Shackelford, many caregivers, the nurses at McKinley Court, and especially the wonderful nurses on the 7th floor of St. Mary's Hospital, and the St. John's Hospice nurses who took care of him in the last 14 months of life.

Please sign the family guestbook.