Darrell Wayne Seeley OBITUARY
Darrell Wayne Seeley, aged 91, passed away on November 1, 2024, at the VA Hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska. Gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at DeWitt Funeral Home, 604 S Burlington Ave. Memorials may be given to the Grand Island VA Hospital at www.cdceportal.va.gov hospiceGI.VA Born on June 8, 1933, in Matheson, Colorado to Pearl (Lee) and Charles J. Seeley. Darrell lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his passion for horticulture. A veteran of the Navy, Darrell served from 1953 to 1957 with deployments in Pensacola, Florida, Guam, and San Diego, California. His service was characterized by the rigorous and skilled contributions typical of the 'Seabees,' whose motto "We Build, We Fight" resonates with the legacy Darrell left in both his military and civilian life. After his honorable discharge, Darrell utilized the GI Bill to become a skilled greenhouse grower, a vocation that defined much of his professional life. His career in horticulture began at Reed's Greenhouse in Fort Morgan, Colorado, and continued at Davidson's Greenhouse in Hastings, Nebraska. In 1969, Darrell established Seeley's Greenhouse in Juniata, Nebraska, nurturing it until 1985 before moving to Sedan, Kansas, where he was the head grower at Sedan Floral. His final professional chapter was at the Garden Gallery Greenhouse in Blue Hill, Nebraska, which he operated with his wife, Joanne, and daughter, Vicki, until his retirement in 1995. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Darrell was deeply passionate about the outdoors. He was an avid collector of arrowheads and Native American artifacts, often exploring these interests with his father and children. His artistic talents were manifold, encompassing wood sculpture and painting, with a particular focus on animal figures and scenic depictions of Colorado. He and his wife Marti loved gospel and bluegrass music which he performed at area jams and clubs. Despite being struck by lightning three times, Darrell's adventurous spirit remained undimmed, though he wisely chose to avoid storms thereafter. Darrell was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne (Betzold) Seeley; his parents, Pearl (Lee) and Charles J. Seeley; his siblings; Lesley Seeley, Nadene Leger, Elaine Wallace, his daughter, Debbie Schroeder, his grandson Jake Binfield, his second wife, Marti (Shada) Seeley; and stepson, Mike Shada. He is survived by his children, Vicki (Steve) Buss, Jenny (Brad) Binfield, Timothy (Judy) Seeley, and Matthew (Shannon) Seeley, his grandchildren; Jason (Monica) Buss, Austin Buss, Sarah (Chuck) Kirmse, Kayla Schroder, Kandra (Carlos) Nunez, Jessica (Jason) Perreault, Cody Seeley, Thane (Elizabeth) Seeley, Taylor (Megan) Seeley and eleven great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly and cherish his memory. Darrell's life was one of vibrant engagement with his world and community. Though he leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, his legacy of resilience, skill, and compassionate community involvement will continue to inspire all who knew him.
