Elmer Seyer

ORAN, Mo. -- Elmer Joseph Seyer, 89, of Oran died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at the Chateau in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Oct. 14, 1930, in Advance, Missouri, son of Philip and Alvina Dohogne Seyer. He married the only girl he ever loved, Susie Ann Cecilia Bucher, on April 16, 1955, in New Hamburg, Missouri. They shared 64 years together.

Elmer graduated from Oran High School in 1949. He served as class president from 1946 to 1949. He was a member of the debate team. During that time, Elmer was president of CYC, as well as having a dual role of player and coach for the CYC softball team.

Elmer was in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was discharged as a sergeant.

Elmer's leadership continued as he was president of the St. Joseph's Men's Club. He was a member of Guardian Angel Church and served on the parish council for three years.

He was also a charter member of Oran Knights of Columbus Council 4311, serving as grand knight for one year.

Elmer coached Little League Baseball for nine years.

He was also dedicated to promoting education and served on the Oran Public School Board for 12 years, and during that time, served as president for three years.

Elmer's passion in life was farming. In 1973, his family received the Missouri Farm Family of the Year. He was also a member of the University of Missouri Extension Council, serving as president of the organization for two years.

Elmer sang at many weddings. He was also a member of the OCD Club -- "Oran Coffee Drinkers' Club" -- and kept a pulse on the activity of the community. In his retirement years, Elmer loved to play cards, fish, play cards, work in the garden, play cards, shell pecans, play cards, watch sports and play cards.

Elmer taught his children and anyone who would listen how to love and to work, so much so we have coined phrases called "Elmerisms."

He was a great man of faith who trusted God in the good times and the bad. His life's legacy is one that reflects that divine love and trust.

Survivors include his wife, seven children, 26 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren, Claudette Hency (Jessica Carey, Michelle Rairigh and Jacob Hency), Ron and Fenena Seyer (Jonathan Seyer, Antonia Seyer, Cesia Watkins and Josiah Seyer), Loraine and Donnie Reischman (Rebecca Lester, James Reischman, Suzanne Anderson, Katherine Businaro, Sarah Seabaugh and Rachel O'Loughlin), Neal and Cindy Seyer (Philip Seyer, Matthew Seyer, Veronica Seyer, Chastity Tragesser and Casey Guzman), Tom and Sherry Seyer (Nathan Seyer, Amber Zito and Chase Seyer), Terry and Cindy Seyer (Caleb Seyer and Claire Kern) and Patrick and Audrey Seyer (Hanna Grazyk, Alyson Roper and Shelbie McClard).

Elmer has two surviving siblings, Lawrence Seyer and Mary Woltering.

His parents, eight siblings and two grandchildren preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Guardian Angel gymnasium in Oran. Parish prayers begin at 4 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus prayer service.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Guardian Angel Church in Oran, with Father Randy Tochtrop officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery following Mass.

Donations may be made to Guardian Angel Church in Oran or the charity of your choice.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.