Alfred Seamands

Alfred Edwin (Eddie) Seamands was born February 17, 1922, in Edgerton, KS, to Oscar O. and Viola Lee Reeves Seamands, and he passed away at home in Overland Park, KS, on December 8, 2007, when his tired heart stopped beating, devastating his family and friends.

Eddie lived nearly all his life in Johnson County, KS, graduating in 1942 from John P. St. John High School in Olathe. WWII began in his senior year, and he served briefly in the Kansas National Guard, Battery D, and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps on Jan. 7, 1943. He served in Squadrons 232 and 143 as a radio-gunner on 'Avenger' torpedo bombers in the Southwest Pacific, and was scheduled for invasion of Japan until the use of the atomic bombs made it unnecessary. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sgt. on Feb. 11, 1946, and was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Stars, American Campaign Medal, and other medals including Rifle Expert Badge, and Pistol Marksman Badge. Many of his buddies are still his most cherished friends, and they held many reunions throughout the country until recent years. Eddie was very proud of his service as a Marine.

Eddie worked in a florist's shop in high school, and reentered the business after the war. Eventually he went into the wholesale flower business in Kansas City, becoming part owner of Greenhouse Flowers, from which he retired in 1979 following a heart attack. Since retirement, he spent a great deal of his time in his home woodworking shop, making beautiful and useful furniture for his and his families' homes. He took special joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Earl Collier Post #153 of the American Legion of Olathe, which will conduct Military honors at his service.

Eddie was married to Janis Rose Hamill in 1946 in Olathe. They divorced in 1953 and there was one daughter Sandra Sue.

In 1956 Eddie married Betty West Lovell and they lived in Overland Park until her death in 1980. They had a daughter Cynthia Lee.

Eddie married Mary Marshall Hohenstein in 1982 gaining a son Ronald R. Hohenstein and a daughter Vicki Hohenstein Wards. Surviving Eddie is his wife Mary of the home; children, Sandra Roberts (Jim), Cynthia Kirkham (Richard), Ron Hohenstein (Barbara) and Vicki Wards; twelve grandchildren, Barbara, Elizabeth, James, Bart, Annie, Sam, Callie, Beth, Chris, Ashley, Britten, and Michael; great grandchildren, Nick, Drew, Isaac, Sebastian, Annabelle, Cole, Lydia, Max, Emily, Rudy, and Clare; nieces, nephews, and other family.

Eddie was a most unusual man and excelled as a son, father, husband, brother, defender of his country and friend. He was unceasingly kind and helpful, had a great sense of humor and believed in the Half Cup theory. He could always find something good in everything. Old and young were drawn to him. As one of his classmates said years ago, "Everybody loves Eddie". He will be terribly missed.

His family is grateful for the excellent care of Dr. Riffel and staff and when required, hospice and visiting nurses, giving us more time with him on earth than he would have as his health failed.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Evelyn Ottley and one grandchild.

The family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice.