Marvin Roy Seal

Marvin Roy Seal, age 90 of East Lansing, MI passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021. He was born on August 11, 1931 in Detroit, MI the oldest son of 7 children of Ernest and Genevieve (Chartrand) Seal.

Marvin moved to Portland, MI with his parents shortly after birth. He completed his school years in Portland, graduating from Portland High School in 1950. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and golf during this high school years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Gordon (Elizabeth) Seal, Patrick (Susie) Seal, and Dennis (Jan) Seal. Surviving him are his brother Thomas (Jan) Seal, sisters Carol (Al) Goodman, and Patricia (Ron) Weatherbee and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife Shirley (Gokee) and two children David (Melanie) Seal of Lansing and Jamie-Sue (Kirk) Eiseler of Laingsburg and three grandchildren: Tyler Trescott, Abigail Elizabeth and Brody Roy Seal. He married Shirley (Gokee) in July 1960.

Marvin served in the USAF from 1951-1955. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the Japanese Occupation Medal, the United Nations Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He attended Lansing Business University (LBU) and majored in Accounting.

Marvin was a member of South Baptist Church since 1959. He worked in various children’s programs from elementary school to High School.

Other volunteer functions that were important to Marvin were the Golden “K” Kiwanis Club. He assisted in Trinity Church’s ESL group for Chinese students when the group was first initiated. Since its conception, the group has grown to over 100 students and now is fully run by Trinity’s members. Marvin also volunteered at the City Rescue Mission in various areas. His main area of participation was picking up and delivering food and clothing for the Mission. Marvin was a Board Member for the Mission for several years until health problems forced him to retire.

Marvin was employed by the State of Michigan, Office of Purchasing, Dept. of Management and Budget. He was the Director of the Technical Acquisition Division. He retired with 34 years of service with the State.

Marvin’s greatest knack was telling stories to children, especially his grandchildren. He could keep them fascinated for long periods of time with his imaginative mind. Tyler was the first to say “grandpa, tell me a story.” He also loved to read, usually reading 2-3 books a week, as well as movies and television in his retirement years. Cooking and baking became another joy, many times taking food to shut-ins. But most of all he enjoyed doing things with his grandchildren. It was said by his wife that anything he did could never be outdone. He always put his heart into everything he started with much enthusiasm and energy. He was a sweet, gentle person that made living a “little bit of heaven” for his family.

Private Family Services will be held. Interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Lansing.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel. To leave a cherished memory or words of sympathy for the family please visit www.grlansing.com.