Richard James Seelye

Richard James Seelye 85, of Pekin passed away at 9:49 pm Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin. He was born in Pekin to John and Lucille (Carrow) Seelye on December 21, 1925.He married Mary Lou Bath on June 22, 1947; she preceded him in death on January 29, 2005. Surviving are one daughter, Marggie Seelye of Pekin; one sister-in-law, Sally Conklin of Naples, FL and one brother, Irvin (Isabelle) Seelye of Ozark, MO. Dick was a graduate of Pekin High School where he was an accomplished trumpet player and was a music student of Mrs. Helen Guthrie. He was also active in concert, jazz and dance bands, as well as being a member of the Barbershop Chorus which won the National Championship in 1959.He proudly served his country in the US Navy attaining rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class during WWII. He was a geranium specialist for the Jack Haase Greenhouse in Pekin, shipping geranium cuttings all over the country.He purchased the business from his Uncle Jack in 1962.He and his wife, Mary Lou expanded the business in 1972 opening the Greenhouse Flower Shoppe. Golf was a passion for Dick.He was a former member of Pekin Country Club, and most proud of winning low net in the Father-Daughter Tournament with Marggie in 1987. Dick was a member of Pekin Farm Bureau Association.One of his favorite activities was to meet friends for coffee.His quick wit will be missed by many. Cremation has been accorded. A get together in his honor will be held at a later date.Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin is assisting Dick's family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to TAPS 100 Taps Lane Pekin, IL 61554 or YWCA 315 Buena Vista Pekin, IL 61554. To leave Dick's family an online condolence please visit www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.