Cleo Harvey Seabourn

1919 - 2010

Cleo Harvey Seabourn October 3, 1919 - October 1, 2010 Cleo was born in Atoka County, Oklahoma on October 3, 1919 to Carl and Josie Seabourn. He was the third child of a family of seven and moved to California in the 1940s. Cleo joined the Civilian Conservation Corp at the age of 16 years old. In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country in World War II. During the war he served in the Medical Corp in Europe and Africa. He had countless stories to share from his experiences in the war. He held many different professions during his lifetime. He could do anything he set his mind to. He was self-educated for the most part, because his family worked as migrant farm laborers when he was a child, leaving him without the opportunity to attend school on a regular basis. Although he had no formal education, he had a brilliant mind. He was a carpenter and a heavy equipment operator and a retiree from the Operators Engineers, which left his hands mangled from so many hours on the controls, but was a job he enjoyed. He especially liked the camaraderie with his fellow workers and he made many friends during his years working across California on pipelines. Cleo was an honest, hard-working, loving and compassionate man. His childhood was tough, but he was determined to make a better life for his family, which he fully accomplished. He loved his family; they brought such pride and joy to him. He was a dedicated husband, who was determined to stay with his wife as long as possible to assist her through life with Alzheimer's, always wanting to make sure that she was well taken care of, putting her needs before his own. Cleo showed his children unconditional love, took great satisfaction in watching them grow into adults, and was supportive and proud of each one of them. His grandchildren enriched his life and he showed them the same love that he bestowed upon his children. Cleo's memory will always be alive in his family. He is survived my his loving wife of 64 years, Opal Seabourn; son and daughter-in-law, Leon and Cathy Seabourn; son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Debbie Seabourn; daughter and son-in law, Lisa and Jay Wedel; granddaughters, Vicki Seabourn, Brandi Seabourn and Brittni Wedel; ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way. Cleo's only grandson and best buddy Brandon Wedel preceded him in death and now they are together in Heaven. He is also reunited with his four brothers, two sisters, mother and father. His greatest gift to his family was his love, a love that created a bond that will never be broken. Cleo was also a great friend to many neighbors and co-workers and never seemed to meet a stranger. He was always willing to pitch in to help those around him in any way he could. He had a friendly smile, a helping hand and loved to tease, always enjoying the company of those around him. Visitation is Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and on Thursday, Oct. 7, from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., at Hillcrest Mortuary. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Garden of Memories Lawn, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. You may pay your Condolences to the family at www.hillcrestmemorial.com www.bakersfield.com/obits