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Woodward, Okla. — Dennis Edward Seal was born July 1, 1926, to Albert Edward and Maude Crusha Seal at their home south of Lenora, Oklahoma. This home was built by his grandparents, John George and Florence Burton Seal. At the age of three, Dennis, along with his older brother and sister, Stanley and Daphne, and their parents joined the throngs of Okies struck by depression, in exodus from Oklahoma to California. But, roots run deep and after a couple of years, the family returned home.
Dennis went to school for eight years at the Valley Center School House a mile and three quarters from home. Dennis walked to school most of the time with his brother and sister. In 1934 Dennis's little brother, George Le Roy, was born making the family complete. The family livelihood was farming and ranching. Dennis grew up working alongside his dad and he learned the ways of the land.
Dennis attended his first year and a half of high school at Taloga, Oklahoma. Then World War II began. Stanley was drafted. Bert's health was failing and the farm had to be worked. At age fifteen the responsibility fell on Dennis' shoulders. As the war raged on, he received his call to go, sold his livestock, and waited for the final call. Then, the war ended.
He went back to school at age eighteen, attending Camargo High School for a year. Then he moved to Seiling, Oklahoma to take care of the farm his dad had purchased, and graduated high school at the age of twenty-one in 1948. Shortly after, Dennis moved back to the Lenora homestead. Since then he moved only once more and that was a mere quarter of a mile.
In January 1950, Dennis met Darlyne Coatney, from Clinton, Oklahoma. On November 18th, they were married. From 1950 to 1956 Dennis and Darlyne made a living farming and ranching. They raised wheat, cattle, and children, as Pamela and Sue Ellen had come along. But times were rough with another drought and in 1956 when the first Wildcat gas well was drilled a mile south of their house, they were thrilled when Dennis was able to do some roughnecking. In 1957, Don was born.
In 1963, Seal's Pumping Service was established. Dale Seal, George Seal, and Clifford Calkins were longtime employees. During the years of working in the oilfield, Dennis purchased a herd of Chianina cows, breeding them for show steers for the 4-H and FFA students. He and friend, Jimmy Harrel, traveled many miles together buying, showing, and judging cattle. Dennis enjoyed sharing his acquired knowledge in feeding, dressing, and showing with the kids, as well as supporting the local and county stock shows.
Dennis served on the Taloga School Board and the Thomas Hospital Board, was a member of the First Families of the Twin Territories and received the Oklahoma Centennial Ranch Award in honor of both sets of his grandparents. He was a member of the Lenora United Methodist Church and has always been a supporter of community activities.
The legacy of the family he made was marked by the 2010 celebration of Dennis and Darlyne's 60th wedding anniversary. Dennis will be remembered for his witty sayings, his integrity, his love for life, and his ability to make everyone feel as though they were his favorite. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Maude Seal; brother, Stanley Seal, and sister, Daphne Petree.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Darlyne Seal, of the home. His three children, Pamela Upchurch, of Oklahoma City, OK, Sue Ellen Farris and husband Joe, of Taloga, OK, and Don Seal, of Oklahoma City, OK. Seven grandchildren, Kandy Price, MaKenzi Moore, Cinnamon White, Kassidy Eubanks, Flint Farris, Marissa Upchurch, and Destiny Howard; eleven great-grandchildren; brother, George Seal, of Seiling. brother-in-law, Gene Coatney and wife Barbara of Lake Charles, LA,; sister-in-law Shelah Goyer and husband Gary of Olathe, KS.; many nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, December 27, 2010, in the Taloga High School Auditorium, Taloga, Oklahoma with burial following in Mound Cemetery . Services arranged by Shaw Funeral Home, Taloga, Oklahoma. Condolences may be made to the family and Memorial Tribute viewed at shawfuneralhome.net
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