Melvin “Buzzy” Seaton, 89, of Basco, passed away June 27 in Carthage,
Illinois surrounded by his family.
Melvin was born December 2, 1934, the son of Meta “Mattie” (Garrelts) and
Harold Seaton. He attended grades 1 through 8 at Excelsior, a one-room
schoolhouse, which remains on the Seaton property to this day. He
graduated from Carthage High School in 1952. 
After graduating, Melvin took a position with Purity Oats (a division of
General Mills) in Keokuk, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Janet Busch.
They were united in marriage on June 15, 1957. Melvin began working at
the Hubinger Company in Keokuk on September 30, 1963, and enjoyed a
30+ year career there through subsequent transitions to Heinz and
Roquette, before retiring at age 66.
In his early twenties, Mel loved pitching for his hometown’s fast-pitch
softball team. He was a lifelong fan of San Francisco Giants baseball and
always enjoyed watching and listening to University of Illinois basketball
and football games. 
Mel also loved history, especially the Civil War, and collected many books
and videos over the years. He and Janet began researching genealogy in
the 1980s and traveled to several states to uncover their ancestry and visit
newfound relatives. 
Mel found joy and contentment on the family farm surrounded by beautiful
fields, trees, and ponds. Every spring, he delighted in the arrival of
bluebirds and tending his vegetable gardens. He enjoyed pheasant and
deer hunting, and was especially eager for his annual morel mushroom
hunt. He took great pride in his car and truck restorations, and in tackling
numerous projects around the house and property. 
Mel and Janet treasured time spent with their five children and ten
grandchildren, and loved attending their various events and celebrations.
Other fond memories include camping trips with friends and listening to live
bands while dancing the night away! 

Buzzy never knew a stranger – he was quick with a smile, a joke, and a
hearty handshake. He was eager to lend a hand and share his skills with
anyone who needed assistance. His classic salutation “Have a goodie!”
epitomized his desire to enjoy life and share good times with family and
friends.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janet (Busch); his son, Alan
Seaton of Basco; daughter, Julie (David) Seaton-Crow of Pflugerville, TX;
daughter, Laura (Rob) Moser of Plantation, FL; daughter, Kathryn (Ray)
Farrens of Gardner, KS; daughter, Mary (James) Seaton-Ewers of Coal
Valley, IL; grandchildren, Cameo (Timo) Galvan, Oran Crow, Michael Crow,
Allison Moser, Michael Moser, Alyssa Farrens, Sarah Farrens, Alec Ewers,
Noah Ewers, and Abbie (Matt) Sheedy; grandbaby, Sophia Sheedy; and his
sister, Mildred Graham of Carthage.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Helen Jones.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at
Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery
in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July
2, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to HUGS in Hancock
County and St. Jude.