Robert "Bob" Seabury, 98, of Wichita Falls, returned to his heavenly home on December 9, 2023. In a community that prides itself on its close-knit ties and shared values, few names echo as resoundingly as Bob Seabury. Described by City Magazine as the "largest builder/developer in the history of Wichita Falls," Seabury's drive and passion changed the physical city in numerous ways; however, more importantly, Bob's kindness and Christian faith impacted the entire town and its people far beyond bricks and mortar.

Hailing from Pisgah, Iowa's pastoral landscapes, Seabury's early life was marked by service. He wore the Navy's insignia with pride during WWII, including a year in the South Pacific as a Navy Lt. J.G. Upon concluding his military stint and gaining academic credentials from Duke University and the University of Iowa, Bob traded Iowa's calm for Texas's promise in 1949. While the annals of Wichita Falls' history will remember Seabury for the physical city he transformed—16 subdivisions, 3,000 homes, land donations for Rider High School, Jefferson Elementary, Fowler Elementary, and West Foundation Elementary, 17 apartment complexes including crown jewel Stone Creek Ranch, the Faith Village shopping Center, Century Plaza, Century City, and the list goes on and on—his legacy was as much about human connection as it was about construction. The accolades were numerous, named "Distinguished Salesman of the Year" by the Board of Commerce & Industry in 1985, "Builder of the Year" by the Home Builders Association in both 1980 and 1992, and his official naming in 2017 for October 17th to be "Robert Seabury Day" in Wichita Falls. But perhaps nothing underscores his deeper contributions to the city more than his pivotal role in bringing the Christian youth organization, Young Life, to Wichita Falls in 1967. In a time of societal flux, Bob recognized the importance of providing the city's youth with a solid foundation, anchored in faith and fellowship. This initiative, above many, was a testament to his love of Christ and commitment to nurturing the next generation.

A man of multifaceted interests, when not building structures all over town, navigating leadership roles at Grace Church, Home Builders Association, the Salvation Army, or the Curtiss Jenny Museum, Bob was rarely seen far from a banjo, ukulele, piano, the seat of his ultralight or the board of his windsurfer at his beloved cabin at Possum Kingdom Lake. Indeed, he imbued all of those around him with his infectious spirit and a commitment to family. From being a father to Steve and Sandy and baby Cynthia with his first wife Gloria Wellman, to later raising Bryan with his wife Jeannie of 49 years, Bob loved being a husband and father, and his family loved him back tenfold.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Roy, his mother Hazel, and his daughter Cynthia.  He is survived by his wife Jeannie of Wichita Falls, son Steve (Leslie) of St. Petersburg, FL, daughter Sandy of Stockton, CA, son Bryan (Cheryl) of Los Angeles, CA, and granddaughters Scarlett and Quinn Seabury. Additionally, he is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews from Iowa to California to Texas.

Bob's legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of Wichita Falls, and into the hearts and souls of all those he encountered in his 98 years.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, January 27th at Grace Church.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Young Life of Wichita Falls

https://wichitafalls.younglife.org

Grace Church of Wichita Falls

https://gracechurchwf.churchcenter.com/giving

Museum of North Texas History

https://museumofnorthtexashistory.org/donations/