Eugene Seabaugh

Eugene L. Seabaugh, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Jackson and went to be with his Lord Wednesday, April 5, 2006. He had been surrounded by loving family and friends, and the compassionate care of Hospice.

He was born Oct. 28, 1922, on Bellevue Street in Cape Girardeau, son of John O. and Caroline Green Seabaugh. He and Hazel I. Jones were married Oct. 29, 1944, in Gideon, Mo.

Eugene grew up with his family of seven brothers and sisters on a farm in Jackson and graduated from high school in 1941. He then completed a course at Brayton Flying Services in St. Louis.

His public work was with Glenn L. Martin in Baltimore, Md., Curtis Wright Aircraft Co. in St. Louis, and Jackson Hosiery Mill 13 years.

Eugene and Hazel moved to Oak Ridge in 1956 where they owned and operated Seabaugh's IGA store 20 years. They also purchased an 80-acre farm in the Oak Ridge area, and with guidance by Missouri Conservation Department planted a variety of pine trees to be harvested as Christmas trees. This farm later became the first "choose and cut" operation between St. Louis and Memphis. With the success of the tree farm turning hobby to business, the grocery store was sold in 1976. Due to declining health, the farm was sold and the Seabaughs retired to a home on Highway 61 north of Jackson.

While living in Oak Ridge, Mr. Seabaugh served as mayor several years and was instrumental in obtaining both gas and water services for the community.

One of Mr. Seabaugh's proudest achievements was writing and publishing his autobiography titled "A Trip of A Lifetime." Eugene was a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, where he was active in the Men's Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his wife; three children, Cindy Luebbers and husband Jack of Jackson, Ron E. Seabaugh and wife Gail, and Keith R. Seabaugh, all of Oak Ridge; four grandchildren, Chad Seabaugh, Jaime Holloway (Jason) of Oak Ridge, Robyn Nesler (Shawn) of Cape Girardeau, Tyler Luebbers (Jackie) of Jackson; and four great-grandchildren, Peyton and Kobey Luebbers, Ryder Nesler and Colton Holloway; two brothers, J.B. Seabaugh (Odetta) of Ooltewah, Tenn., and Jerry Seabaugh (Phyllis) of Jackson.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Otto and Bill Seabaugh; and two sisters, Maxine Hartle and Hazel Haynes.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jon Sedgwick officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be given in the form of contributions to Oak Ridge Baptist Church; Southeast Hospice, a service of Southeast Missouri Hospital; or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.