Larry Gene Seward

Larry Gene Seward, 71 year old resident of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, passed away June 27, 2017 in Springdale, Arkansas. Born December 17, 1945 in Tuckerman, Arkansas, he was the son of David Seward and Pearl Holt Seward. Larry married Mary Rebecca (Reba) McConnell on June 10, 1967 in Mount Ida, Arkansas. He was a three year letterman in basketball at then Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville, Arkansas graduating with a degree in Biology in 1967. Larry was a professor of biology at John Brown University for 37 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Siloam Springs for 43 years. Dr. Seward taught Biology at Lakeside High School in Hot Springs before going on to earned an MS in Biology and an Ed.D. in Higher Education with an emphasis in Natural Sciences from Oklahoma State University in 1979. He joined the faculty at JBU in 1970 in the Division of Natural Science. His commitment to teaching and to the field of natural sciences was recognized as he was named a Fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation in 2005. During his 37 year tenure at JBU, Dr. Seward served the university and his community in multiple ways outside his teaching commitment. He served in multiple capacities that married his love of nature and the courses he taught in the Natural Sciences Division including JBU Grounds Manager, JBU Arbor Society founder, the Planning and Zoning Commission of Siloam Springs and Chair of Sager Creek Commission. His other passion was the support of student athletes. He served JBU as Faculty Athletic Representative for 25 years and Chair of the Faculty Athletic Committee for 27 years, retiring from both roles in 2007. Dr. Seward was also summer camp and program coordinator for JBU for 9 years that served to develop and grow the multiple sports camps that exist at JBU today. Dr. Seward spent his career helping students in the classroom, in the laboratory and on the sports fields of John Brown University. He loved spending time with his family, playing golf with friends, and keeping his beautiful gardens. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Seward and Pearl Seward. He was survived by his wife of 50 years, Reba Seward of the home; two daughters, Sarah Krivy and husband David of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Julie Nagel and husband Aaron of Lawrence, Kansas; five grandchildren, Caroline, Olivia, Bennett, Jackson, and Mary Kate; two brothers, David Seward, Jr. and wife Mattie of Searcy, Arkansas, and Bill Seward and wife Carol of Glendora, California; and two sisters, Betty Millsap of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Peggy Rainwater of Sheridan, Arkansas. Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, Siloam Springs, with Rev. Dr. David Bush and Rev. Clark Atkins officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Twin Springs, Siloam Springs, AR 72761.

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Larry Gene Seward

December 17, 1945 - June 27, 2017