On July 25th 2024, Reverend Robert E. Seals Sr. left this world to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He passed from complications of Alzheimer's in Salem, Oregon with family members by his side.
Robert, known by all as Bob, was born in Dayton Ohio on February 6th, 1939. In 1947 his family, parents and six siblings, relocated to SE Indiana and lived in various towns in Ripley and Decatur County. Raised on a farm doing chores during his formative years he regarded himself an Indiana farm boy and he absolutely loved rural life and leisurely drives down country roads. He married Shirley K. Watters in 1957. She was the love of his life for 59 years. They relocated to Oregon in 1961 where together they raised eight children, seven daughters and one son.
Bob was a hard worker and enjoyed the favor of many a boss, working a variety of jobs most of which were in the automotive world. In the mid 1960's he gave his life to the Lord and soon after felt called to go into pastoral ministry. He attended Multnomah School of the Bible (now Multnomah University) in Portland, Oregon, simultaneously juggling the schedule of a full time student/full time employee and being Dad to a large growing family! Upon graduation in 1971, he became pastor of Bethany Bible Church in Portland, Oregon. It was a special time and he thrived there, developing his gift and reputation as a skilled Bible teacher. Other churches he served as Pastor were Crowfoot Baptist (Lebanon, Oregon), and Boones Ferry Community Church (Tualatin, Oregon). In 1983 he returned "home" to his childhood stomping grounds to pastor Washington Baptist Church (Elrod, Indiana), for a spell.
Upon returning to Oregon he reentered the automotive industry where he had worked prior to going into the ministry. He worked for a number of years at Withnell Dodge Chrysler in Salem as part of the management team, until his retirement in 2004. He and Shirley settled into retirement life in Woodburn, Oregon. He loved teaching a large class at Salem First Baptist Church and headed up a Bible study in the Woodburn Estates. They enjoyed long drives together and attending classic car shows, where Bob would enter one of two classic cars that he owned. He enjoyed meeting and chatting with many of his fellow car enthusiasts. What he loved most of all was God, family and sharing the gospel. He loved every holiday, birthday celebrated or any opportunity he got to be with family. If only we had a dollar for every time he wondered out loud how he got so blessed with “such a wonderful family". Bob loved being out in God's creation on many walks. If you happened to walk past him while walking your pup, he would often ask about your dog and he would light up at the chance to show your pet some love. In turn, dogs loved him right back!
In recent years a highlight of his week was the Grace Chapel community group he attended in the Woodburn Estates. He cherished the relationships he built there.
Through all of life's trials Bob modeled his steadfast faith to his friends and family. He was full of forgiveness, grace, compassion and kindness. He was definitely one of the helpers. He had a life verse that he held dear to his heart:
"Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Seals, his parents, George and Virgie Seals, siblings, Alberta Miller, Bill Seals, George Seals Jr. and Bernice Fisk Benson. He is survived by his sister Janet Seals Peters, (Batesville, IN), brother Jerry Seals, (Greensburg, IN), his children; Dawn Dunkle, (son in law Scott, West Linn, OR), Jacqueline Benham, (son in law Lonnie, Woodburn, OR), Georgia (Gigi) Seals, (Victoria, BC), Bobbie Brown, (son in law Chip, Gervais, OR), Sarah Elmore, (son in law Matt, Donald, OR), Jessica Boldenow, (son in law Steve, Salem, OR), Robert Seals Jr., (Sacramento, CA), and Holly Jordan, (son in law Stephen, Hickory, LA). He also leaves behind 19 beloved grandchildren, and 17 precious great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate nursing staff and doctors at Salem Hospital. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1PM on September 21, 2024 at the Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services, Salem, OR
Instead of flowers the family would like a donation to be made to a ministry that Robert Seals Sr. contributed to:
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