Jan Lawrence Seth

Jan Lawrence Seth was surrounded by his family as he went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday evening, September 21, 2025, at the age of 87. He lived a full and productive life centered on his faith and family.

Jan was born on April 9, 1938, to John and Eleanor Seth in Borger, Texas. He was the middle of three sons and spent his traditional American childhood in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, alongside his brothers, John Warren Seth and Gary Seth.

A graduate of College High School in Bartlesville, Jan went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. It was there, in Stillwater, that he met the love of his life, Judy Fray. The two were married in 1961, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by love, faith, and mutual support.

After graduation, Jan accepted a position with Dow Badische in Freeport, Texas. He and Judy settled in nearby Lake Jackson, where they raised their son, Stephen, and daughter, Heather. They created a warm, welcoming home on the shore of Lake Jackson — weathering hurricanes, making renovations, and creating memories. Jan passed many of his passions on to his children. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with Stephen, and thanks to Jan, Heather developed a deep love for horses.

A true outdoorsman, Jan especially loved trout fishing — a joy introduced to him during childhood trips to Roaring River State Park in Missouri. Roaring River became a beloved tradition; one he continued for 75 years. Later in life, Jan and Judy were fortunate to travel extensively, with their most meaningful journey being a trip to Israel, where their faith was deeply enriched.

Jan retired from Dow Chemical in 1990 after a successful career in manufacturing. He and Judy moved to Beaver Lake, Arkansas, where they had earlier purchased a lake home. Jan fully renovated and expanded the home, which soon became a treasured gathering place for the growing Seth family. Boating, swimming, and annual celebrations — especially the Fourth of July and Christmas — made it a true family haven.

Never one to slow down after retiring from the corporate world, Jan dedicated many years to developing real estate throughout Benton County and around Beaver Lake. He found great joy and fulfillment in this work.

Jan was always deeply grounded in his love for Christ and became even more active in church life after his retirement. He was involved with both Emmanuel Baptist Church in Rogers and Garfield First Baptist Church, and he spent many years joyfully teaching through the local Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) organization. He also served as the spiritual leader of his family.

Around 2010, Jan became involved in the founding and development of Boundless Grace Baptist Church in Little Flock, Arkansas. He was passionate about this new church and worked tirelessly to help ensure its growth and success. As a deacon, Jan poured his heart into the ministry, and he considered his contributions to Boundless Grace to be the most meaningful service of his life.

Jan is survived by his wife Judy, his son Stephen (and Kim) Seth, his daughter Heather (and John Herzik, and grandchildren Sophie Herzik, Sterling Herzik, Abby Seth, Nathan Seth, and Austin Seth.