WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Phillip Ross Seybert, age 85 of Sturgis, Michigan and a former long
time resident of Burr Oak passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning
December 12, 2009 at his home.
He was born February 11, 1924 in Scott, Indiana a son to the late Fred
and Blanche (Bowerman) Seybert, Sr.
On September 4, 1946 he married June Phyllis Orr in Adrian. She died
September 27, 2007.
Phil was a graduate of Scott High School with the class of 1941.
Following is graduation from high school he attended South Bend Business
College. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and after completing radio school
at Northwestern University in Chicago, he was assigned to the USS
Litchfield based at Pearl Harbor. Phil was later transferred to the
rebuilt USS Holland where he served on the staff of Admiral Lockwood,
Commander of the Pacific Submarine fleet.
After WWII, Phil returned to St. Joseph County where he farmed and
managed Seybert’s Feed and Grain in Burr Oak until the business was
sold. Phil was a truck driver by trade and had driven for Seybert Inc.,
Grady Motor Freight, Days Transfer, O.I.M. and Indianhead Truck Line
where he retired in 1982.
Phil was an active resident of Burr Oak serving on the Burr Oak School
Board, Burr Oak Township Board and he was a member and past board member
of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church.
He was proud to be a life member of the LaGrange American Legion in
LaGrange, Indiana and Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW in Sturgis.
He always had a strong feeling of support for the military men and women
and he financially supported many military groups. The center of his
life was always his family; his children and grandchildren knew him as a
wonderful father and grandfather.
He is survived by One Daughter; Phyllis (Craig) Wood of Pensacola,
Florida, One Son; David (Diana) Seybert of Portage, Four Grandchildren;
Lt. Col. Rick Fojtik, Leann Rogers, Chris Seybert and Kendra Townsend,
Three Great Grandchildren; Shannon Fojtik, Emily June Fojtik and Ava
Diane Townsend, One Brother; Bill (Estelle) Seybert of White Pigeon, One
Sister; Lydia Wittenberg of White Pigeon, Brother-in-law; Bruce Orr of
Adrian and many wonderful friends and nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one sister; Alice Jane Sherman and two brothers;
Howard Seybert and Fred Seybert, Jr. preceded him in death.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial
service celebrating the life of Philip Seybert will be held at 3:00 P.M.
Saturday at the Burr Oak United Methodist Church. The Rev. Donald Graham
will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the
Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak. Full military rites will be conferred by
Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago
Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-3284 is handling the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr.
Seybert’s memory consider the Burr Oak United Methodist Church, 206 W.
Main St., Burr Oak, MI 49030 or the USO P.O. Box 96860, Washington DC
20077-7677.
