Richard Dutton Seba PhD

After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Richard Dutton Seba passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2019. He was the loving husband of Amie Harllee Seba. He will be deeply missed by his three children, Cynthia Seba Cook (Mark), David Andrew Seba (Kate), James Richard Seba (Rachel), and was preceded in death by their mother, Maria(Ria) Johnson Seba. Dr. Seba is fondly remembered by his seven grandchildren, Adair and Jackson Cook, Emily, Andrew and Sophie Seba, Shep and Wes Seba.

Dr. Seba was born in East Orange Beach, New Jersey and was the son of Wesley Fred Seba of Drummond, Oklahoma and Dorothy Dutton of Henderson, Texas. In 1956, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma University and continued his education at the University of Texas, earning a PhD in Petroleum Engineering. During his 28-year career at Shell Oil Company, he held staff and management positions in research, reservoir engineering and E&P economics in 39 countries around the world. Dr. Seba authored two textbooks, still in use at the time of his death, and published numerous journal articles and technical papers throughout his career.

Dr. Seba will be remembered for his love of music and New Orleans traditions. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the Barber Shop Chorus, whose performances brought joy to many audiences in this community. He enjoyed riding in over 20 Bacchus parades and was a member of several other Carnival organizations. He will be missed by his friends at the Bienville Club and the Round Table Club and will be remembered by the members of the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists (SIPES), with whom he lunched monthly for many years.

A private ceremony was held on Thursday August 29, 2019 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Dr. Seba will be interred with his father in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Special School, 1522 Chippewa Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.