Clarence A. Seaton, 86, Shirland, Illinois died peacefully following a short illness, on Sunday, March 23rd in the home of his daughter Catherine, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Shirland lost a pillar of its community and colorful character on Sunday, March 23rd - a man with a heart bigger than the state of Texas; front row seats to the July 4th parade; a kitchen table that welcomed anyone, anytime, from which he generously administered advice, comfort, wisdom, amazing stories from his past - and care packages: "brain food" for his grandchildren, travel snacks for friends going on hunting trips, and special treats which he personally delivered to housebound friends, all assembled with love. The only child of Lester and Eliza Beckman Seaton, he was born and raised in the Shirland area and graduated as Valedictorian of his Hononegah High School class in 1945. He was a SGT in the army, serving in the Philippines during 1945-46. After the war, he returned home to run the Seaton Bros. business while attending Beloit College. A chance meeting at the Shirland School (he was called to make a repair) introduced him to his first wife, Merruth. He continued his studies at UW/Madison in mechanical engineering and law. But his real love was engineering and he launched his career at the Swiss Colony in Monroe. He worked in a number of engineering firms including Industrial Combustion (Monroe) and Warner Electric Brake (South Beloit). In 1972, he moved to La Grange, Illinois where he was Vice President/Sales & Engineering for Marland One-Way Clutch (now Zurn Industries). Clarence knew no strangers and had friends all over the world from his engineering work with mines, power industries and refineries. He remained active after retirement, managing his farms and rental properties, consulting for Zurn, and indulging in his hobby of playing with his farm equipment. He was well known for always speaking his mind, but he was also always there to lend that helping hand. He was riveted by the recent news of Malaysia Flight 350, theorizing from his hospital bed on its disappearance, having flown on Malaysian Air when in Southeast Asia and possessing a pilot's license himself. Clarence was proud to be a 32nd Degree Mason. In his younger years, he was also a member of the Monroe Lions Club where he contributed to the betterment of the community, and a Boy Scout Leader - where he helped many young men work to achieve their highest potential. Lovingly referred to as 'daddy' by his daughters and 'pops' by his sons, he continued to be their strongest advocate and supporter - whatever the distance. He loved talking on the phone to his friends and grandchildren and will be remembered as one who continually challenged them to be their best and advance in their education and pursuit of all life has to offer. The Seaton family would like to thank Daddy's many friends and Northern Illinois Hospice for all their support.
He was married twice and is survived by 5 children from his first marriage to Merruth Joanne Potgieter, who preceded him in death: Charles, Merry Beth (Bill Lynes), Clarruth Anne (Greer Barriault), Catherine Sweeney and Fred (Beth), 11 grandchildren (Erin, Ally, Thresia and Caitlin; Merry Cate, Jeanne and Theresa Sweeney; Merruth and Arthur Barriault; and Cullen and Will Seaton), and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by 7 stepchildren, Dan, Lee, Beth, Carla (Drew), Jill (Keith), Bill and Jan (Carl), and 4 grandchildren from his second marriage to Carol Lee.
Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2014 in McCorkle Funeral Home-Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, Illinois with Reverend Gloria Halvorsen officiating. Burial will be in Shirland Township Cemetery, Shirland, Illinois. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 27.
Memorials may be given to Shirland Schools, 8020 North Street, Shirland, IL 61079.
To share a memory or send an online condolence visit www.mccorklefuneralhome.com.
Shirland lost a pillar of its community and colorful character on Sunday, March 23rd - a man with a heart bigger than the state of Texas; front row seats to the July 4th parade; a kitchen table that welcomed anyone, anytime, from which he generously administered advice, comfort, wisdom, amazing stories from his past - and care packages: "brain food" for his grandchildren, travel snacks for friends going on hunting trips, and special treats which he personally delivered to housebound friends, all assembled with love. The only child of Lester and Eliza Beckman Seaton, he was born and raised in the Shirland area and graduated as Valedictorian of his Hononegah High School class in 1945. He was a SGT in the army, serving in the Philippines during 1945-46. After the war, he returned home to run the Seaton Bros. business while attending Beloit College. A chance meeting at the Shirland School (he was called to make a repair) introduced him to his first wife, Merruth. He continued his studies at UW/Madison in mechanical engineering and law. But his real love was engineering and he launched his career at the Swiss Colony in Monroe. He worked in a number of engineering firms including Industrial Combustion (Monroe) and Warner Electric Brake (South Beloit). In 1972, he moved to La Grange, Illinois where he was Vice President/Sales & Engineering for Marland One-Way Clutch (now Zurn Industries). Clarence knew no strangers and had friends all over the world from his engineering work with mines, power industries and refineries. He remained active after retirement, managing his farms and rental properties, consulting for Zurn, and indulging in his hobby of playing with his farm equipment. He was well known for always speaking his mind, but he was also always there to lend that helping hand. He was riveted by the recent news of Malaysia Flight 350, theorizing from his hospital bed on its disappearance, having flown on Malaysian Air when in Southeast Asia and possessing a pilot's license himself. Clarence was proud to be a 32nd Degree Mason. In his younger years, he was also a member of the Monroe Lions Club where he contributed to the betterment of the community, and a Boy Scout Leader - where he helped many young men work to achieve their highest potential. Lovingly referred to as 'daddy' by his daughters and 'pops' by his sons, he continued to be their strongest advocate and supporter - whatever the distance. He loved talking on the phone to his friends and grandchildren and will be remembered as one who continually challenged them to be their best and advance in their education and pursuit of all life has to offer. The Seaton family would like to thank Daddy's many friends and Northern Illinois Hospice for all their support.
He was married twice and is survived by 5 children from his first marriage to Merruth Joanne Potgieter, who preceded him in death: Charles, Merry Beth (Bill Lynes), Clarruth Anne (Greer Barriault), Catherine Sweeney and Fred (Beth), 11 grandchildren (Erin, Ally, Thresia and Caitlin; Merry Cate, Jeanne and Theresa Sweeney; Merruth and Arthur Barriault; and Cullen and Will Seaton), and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by 7 stepchildren, Dan, Lee, Beth, Carla (Drew), Jill (Keith), Bill and Jan (Carl), and 4 grandchildren from his second marriage to Carol Lee.
Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2014 in McCorkle Funeral Home-Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, Illinois with Reverend Gloria Halvorsen officiating. Burial will be in Shirland Township Cemetery, Shirland, Illinois. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 27.
Memorials may be given to Shirland Schools, 8020 North Street, Shirland, IL 61079.
To share a memory or send an online condolence visit www.mccorklefuneralhome.com.