Robert W Seal

Robert Warren Seal, a native of Bogalusa, passed away peacefully at home on December 18th, a day after his 79th birthday. He was an American patriot to the core. Robert worked at the paper mill in Bogalusa after high school until joining the Army in 1967. He was a proud combat veteran, serving his country in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. After returning home, he attended Hinds Community College, transferred to LSU, graduating with a BA in Fine Arts. He was an avid painter for some time and had various works published in art magazines. Robert worked at LSU after graduating where he met his wife Pat. His early work years there were spent in the entertainment and theatrical arenas of the LSU Assembly Center and LSU Theatre. He switched gears along the way to Coastal Studies as manager of logistics and research for that department. In between those jobs, he found time to "run away with the circus" touring with the Emmett Kelly, Jr. Circus as stage manager lighting director. In later life, his lifelong interest in military history led to a focus on military and Civil War history in Louisiana, particularly naval events surrounding southern LA and MS. As a respected historian of local Civil War activities and naval ships, he participated in speaking engagements at various functions and workshops. He built and donated dioramas, displays, cannon, and scaled replica models of gunboats and ships to various museums. His radio-controlled replica fleet of ironclads and gunboats were a leading attraction at historical events. He especially liked educating young boys and girls, and participated at School Day events for students across the state. Robert had many who called him friend. He was up for any kind of rescue mission that arose. Be it a boat rescue, generator help, food for animals after a storm, or helping his neighbors, Robert was "on it." He shared his love of the woods and water with his sons as soon as they were old enough to leave their mama for a weekend. He taught them woods and gun safety from a young age, as well as how to handle a boat and fishing tackle. A trip down Lee's Creek and the Pearl River was heaven, whether to hunt, fish or play in the woods. The fishing camp on the MS Gulf Coast was a favorite retreat. Had a passion for muscle cars and two of his were in the 2005 movie The Dukes of Hazzard. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia Gustin Seal, son Warren (Brenda), granddaughters Aubrey and Kendall, son Andrew (Sara), sister Judy Jones of Gulfport, MS, brothers and sisters-in -law Eric and Chris Gustin, Lyle and Pam Brown, Alan and Anne Gustin, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Warren and Dorothy Seal of Bogalusa and sister Rebecca Stanley of Ocean Springs, MS. Visitation is at Rabenhorst Funeral Home (Govt St) on Sun, Dec 22nd from 4-7 pm. Visitation continues Mon, Dec 23rd from 10:30 am until service at noon. Burial to follow in the Louisiana National Cemetery, Zachary, LA. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or Friends of Port Hudson, c/o John Edwards, 10322 Overton Road, Ethel, La 70730.