Edwin Joseph Seiter

Ed served in the Army during the Korean War era and was in the 1st Armored Division. While in the service, he married his childhood sweetheart, Lona Mae Geels. After the war, the couple returned to Fort Smith where they lived and raised their five children.

Ed worked for over 40 years for Cook Construction Company. He was superintendent on many jobs in Fort Smith and Missouri and in 1982, he was bestowed the Outstanding Craftsman Award for his superior workmanship.

Ed was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for over 68 years. He was very active in the parish and I.C. School where he served on the Finance Council, as president of the school board, one of the founders of the annual Spring Festival, and was extremely active in the Men’s Club. Ed was president of the Men’s Club and was a mentor to many young men. The Ed Seiter Scholarship Fund was established for I.C. School as a tribute to his dedication to the parish and school and still exists to assist school families. Ed was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Cursillo movement, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends. Ed and Lona treasured the vacations in Canada with Jack and Jean Shields playing cards and fishing for walleye and bass. Ed and family especially enjoyed Sunday evenings with Msgr. William E. Galvin, former I.C. pastor, where Msgr. Galvin would enjoy a glass of Charter 8 and water, a seat in Ed’s recliner, and a steak cooked on the grill. Ed was Msgr. Galvin’s “go to” person when he needed something done around the church and rectory. After retirement, Ed built a house on Lake Spur where he spent precious moments fishing and spending time with his family.

Ed is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lona Mae; his children Sharon Seiter (Keith) Blentlinger, David Edwin (Barbie), Lisa Seiter (Pat) Cullen, Timothy Joseph, and Jerry Dale (Debbie), all of the Fort Smith area; his grandchildren Kerri (Brett) Locklear, Kelli (Todd) Remy, Tara (Kevin) Uptigrove, Christi Seiter, Brittany (Chris) VanAmburg, Logan Seiter, Kayla Seiter, Hayden Seiter, Meghan (Joe) Estrada, Brianna (John) Doerries, Nicholas Cullen, Benjamin Cullen, Amy (Cameron) Wright, Kelsey Seiter, and Ashley (Brace) Collier; 17 great-grandchildren; and Ed’s brother, J.J. (Johnette) Seiter.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Rose Seiter, and his brothers Ray, Al, Jerome, and Bill.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 14, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 5:00-6:30pm followed by a Rosary at 6:30pm. A “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held in the I.C. Youth Center immediately following the rosary. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, May 15, at 11:00am with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Ed’s grandsons, Nicholas Cullen, Benjamin Cullen, Logan Seiter, Hayden Seiter, and nephews, Fred Seiter and Jason Needham.

A very special thank you to Ed’s “in-home” caretakers and the staff at Ashton Place that took exemplary care of Ed during the last months of his life. Their professionalism, support, and compassion were very comforting to Ed and so appreciated by his family.

Memorial gifts may be made to The Ed Seiter Assistance Fund at Immaculate Conception School, 223 So. 14th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or Immaculate Conception Church, 22 No. 13th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901.