Dates
After a hard fought battle with Cancer and Alzheimer’s, our precious Daddy gained his angel wings in heaven on January 27 ,2018 at the home of his daughter surrounded by his family.
Francis Eugene Seward Known to many as Bud, was 86 years old. Bud was born September 14, 1931 in San Angelo, Texas to William Francis and Beulah Mae Clark Seward. He attended schools in San Angelo. He graduated from San Angelo High School in 1950.
Bud was drafted into the U.S. Army on October 15, 1952. After basic training, he was stationed at Fort Jay, New York, where his duties were tracking and apprehension of AWOL soldiers trying to cross the Canadian border. This is where he met the love of his life Arlene Frances Martin. When Daddy completed his service to his country October 14, 1954, he returned to Texas as quickly as he could, even leaving Arlene. He would tell her she could follow him, but he was going home. She did just that, riding a bus from Albany, New York to Abilene, Texas. Bud would borrow his childhood friend, playmate and future brother-in-law, Howard Himmel's, 1949 Ford car to drive to Abilene, Texas to pick Arlene up and bring her to San Angelo.
Bud and Arlene were married on January 6, 1956. They were married 40 years, only to be separated upon her death on July 16, 1996.
Bud joined the San Angelo Police Department in March 1955. He would serve the San Angelo Police Department for almost 20 years. He only left “to protect his children” from the ridicule and harm he felt they might endure. Bud was always proud of his time with the Police Department. Later he would work at Armour Sheep Yards as a night watchman, Casons Pawn Shop and finally San Angelo Packing for Jimmy Stokes. Bud really enjoyed his time at San Angelo Packing being the 'true ole cowboy' he was. He was even injured once by a bull who gored him, throwing him up and over a fence. He took pleasure in mounting that bull’s horns and hanging them on the wall in his living room. Those horns still hang there today. Bud finally retired at 76 years of age. He enjoyed attending many bull riding events all over the state.
Bud was preceded in death by Arlene, his brother Bill Seward and sister June Himmel. Bud is survived by his children, Ed Seward and wife Susie, daughter Patricia Grothe and husband Mark, all of San Angelo. Grandchildren are, Amber Grothe Joy and spouse Steve of St. Cloud, Florida, Caitlin Seward-Hasty and Spouse Tiffany, Tyler Grothe, Ian Jared Seward, and spouse Jessica, all of San Angelo, and Skyla Grothe and spouse Amado Villa of Pflugerville, Texas, and Christine Russell and Spouse Joseluis Martin also of San Angelo, Texas. Great grandchildren are Trevor and Emelyn Joy, Keira Seward and Weston Villa, Kambrey Wheeler, Ray Palos Jr., Austin. Bud is also survived by sisters-in-law Dorothy Whitferd of New York and Beverly Seward of San Angelo as well as brother-in-law Howard “Benton” Himmel also of San Angelo, a very special niece Janice Rodriguez and spouse Art, Karen and Jim Schnieder of Iraan and Marilyn Villareal of San Antonio.
The family would like to thank Hospice of San Angelo especially Daddys' nurse Laura C, Becky CNA and Ahmad for all their care and love with our Daddy. They all have been a god send to us, also Tiffany Hasty for your timeless love and help with Daddy. We love you all! Please make any donations to Hospice of San Angelo.
Go rest Daddy, you fought a good battle.
Service will be held Monday, January 29, 2018 at 4:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home.