LTC (Ret.) John A. Seddon Sr.

John A. Seddon, Sr., LTC (Ret) passed away on 22 April at the age of 91. Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on May 4, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Main Post Cemetery, Fort Benning, GA.

John was born on July 1, 1920 in Baltimore MD, son of the late Arthur H. Seddon and Ethel M. McBride. He grew up in Willamette, IL, graduating from New Trier High School in 1938, where he excelled in track and field. John attended DePauw University, where he became a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity until enlisting in the US Army in 1940. He was commissioned in the Cavalry in 1942, serving with the 4th Cavalry at Ft Meade South Dakota. John deployed to Europe with his unit in 1944, serving with the 24th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron in operations through France, Belgium and Germany and returning to the US in 1945. John was assigned to Ft Riley Kansas, where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Louise Ferguson on June 8, 1946. John completed his Bachelor's of Science degree in Education at the University of GA in 1956. He participated in combat operations during WW II, Korea and Vietnam. His assignments included Panama, Korea, Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Benning's US Army Infantry School, and the Defense Language School. These were followed by assignments as the Infantry Advisor to the U.S. Mission in Peru, on the Joint Staff, Washington DC, as the Military Group Commander, U.S. Embassy in Panama, with the MACV Advisory Team, Republic of Vietnam and with Army Wide Training at Fort Benning. John's military awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medals along with a host of associated campaign medals. In addition, he held the Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Joint Chief of Staff Badge and the General Staff Identification Badge. Following his retirement in 1974 at Ft. Benning after 34 years of service, he taught History and Government at Hardaway High School through 1978. He also received his Master's Degree in Education at Columbus State University. John and Mary Lou remained active in the GA Retired Officer's Association as well as the 4th Cavalry Association for many years and traveled extensively around the globe.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Louise Seddon.

He is survived by his two sons, John Jr. (Leslie) Seddon of Hernando, FL and Arthur (Elizabeth) Seddon of Williamsburg, VA; his brother Arthur H. Seddon, Jr, of Ft Wayne, IN, his nieces and nephew Ellen Moeller of Valley Forge, PA , Carol Seddon of MD and Kenneth Seddon Fort Wayne, IN, grandson John III (Beata) of San Diego, CA, grand-daughters Catherine and Elizabeth Williamsburg, VA and great grandson, Aleksander San Diego, CA.

John was a soldier and gentleman, devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, and a caring teacher to his students.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the National Infantry Museum Foundation, 1775 Legacy Way, Suite 220, Columbus, GA. 31903 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.