Earl R. Seward

Earl R. Seward, Jr., 90, of Keokuk, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Blessing Hospital in Keokuk.

Earl was born on April 8, 1931, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Earl R. Seward, Sr. and Lotta (Bartholomew) Seward. On August 21, 1959, he was united in marriage to Helen Garron in Moorstown, New Jersey. She preceded him in death on October 1, 2011. Earl proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1968 after twenty years of service. He then moved back to Keokuk and worked part-time jobs and owned a music store on Main Street. Earl was known for his massive music collection and his collection of jukeboxes. Music was his passion, and his good friend “Suzy G” said he was her secret weapon on the radio. He was also a member of Melrose United Methodist Church.

Earl is survived by his sister Sharon (Jim) Kiefer of Headrick, Iowa; two brothers: Richard (Doris) Seward of Olympia, Washington, and Harry Shoemaker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his special niece Dawn Marie (John Bobo) Morton of New Jersey; his special great-nephew Stephen Bobo of New Jersey; his loving caretakers of the last 10 years: Jerry and Dona Herr of Keokuk; and two of his best friends: Kirk Brandenberger and Chris Schulte, both of Keokuk.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Seward and his sister Geraldine Bolling.

Earl’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 11 am on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, with burial to follow at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 to 11 am on Thursday directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Melrose United Methodist Church.

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