John William Seward

John William "Bill" Seward, age 91, of Crawfordsville, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at The Springs in Lafayette. He was born on August 17, 1933 in Parke County to the late John and Marjorie (Berry) Seward.

Bill married Barbara Williams on April 17, 1960 in Crawfordsville, and they spent 56 loving years together until her passing in 2016. He graduated from Rockville High School in 1951 and furthered his education at Indiana State University. A proud veteran, Bill served in the United States Army. He retired from Western & Southern Life Insurance Company in 1993. He was a member at Rockpoint Church.

Bill's sincere friendliness and concern for others was boundless. Nothing pleased him more than meeting new people and engaging them in conversation. This love for others was particularly obvious in his frequent cooking and baking. Bill's natural instinct was always to cook for a crowd, which he accomplished with ease. He wanted always to be prepared for the many who would "just drop by," and he made sure he had plenty for everyone.

Bill's creativity delighted many. For over thirty years he and Barbara cut, sewed, and crafted items for an annual booth at the Covered Bridge Festival. Colors and patterns always interested Bill, and he took pride in applying his artistic eye in his hand-hooked wool rugs. Another passion was the beautiful floral arrangements Bill created for family graves.

Once Bill discovered beekeeping and became fascinated with the ways of bees, he enthusiastically joined the Indiana Beekeepers Association and the Clay County Beekeepers Club and, of course, made many friends with fellow beekeepers, particularly, Cindy Hudson, who made sure Bill was able to attend meetings and cared for his hives once he was no longer able to do so. Bill also lovingly shared his knowledge of bees and beekeeping with his grandchildren, whom he successfully encouraged to take up the hobby.

Bill will be deeply missed by his four children, Tonia (Rick) Wheeler of Crawfordsville, Vince (Dawn) Seward of Flora, Travis (Wade Cleveland) Seward of Greenville, SC, and Jason (Maria) Seward of Crawfordsville; 12 grandchildren, Craig, Evan (Allison) and Ross (Sofia) Wheeler, Brett (Abby), Owen, Jenna, Isla, Alea, Ella, and Aria Seward and Ben Swing; 3 great grandchildren, Remy Wheeler, Frances Seward, and Elliott William Seward; and a sister, Wilma "Joan" Gallo.

In his later years, Bill's life was enriched by the care and companionship of his devoted caregiver, Patty Murray. His family will be forever grateful for the kindness she showed him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and brothers, Robert and Allen Seward.

Funeral Services to honor Bill's life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025. A visitation will take place at Sanders Funeral Care, 315 S. Washington street, in Crawfordsville from 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM. Following the service John will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery North, where Military Honors will be provided by the United States National Guard. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Montgomery County Community Foundation, PO Box 334, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933, to benefit the Bill and Barbara Seward Family Fund in support of Montgomery County 4-H. Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.