Earl Henry Seay

Earl Henry Seay Earl Henry Seay, age 80, retired high school teacher and vocational director, passed peacefully in his home Saturday evening on September 8, 2012. Earl was born to James Earl Seay and Katie Seay in Guadalupe County, near Seguin, Texas on December 31, 1931. He attended Dowdy School (K-12) where he served as class president, class treasurer, football team captain, sports editor, annual staff member, and was named "favorite high school boy" his senior year in 1949. A graduate of Southwest Texas State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1953. Later that summer he enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years where he became a certified food inspector, further developing his agriculture career and his interest in teaching. Immediately following his honorable discharge from the Army, Earl received his Texas teaching certificate and began teaching vocational agriculture at Round Rock High School in 1955. While teaching, he returned to his alma mater in San Marcos, Texas and attended graduate school where he earned his Master's degree in Education in 1969. After teaching for 15 years, Earl's vibrant leadership and talent for mentoring youth in the Round Rock community led to his appointment as vocational director for Round Rock ISD. He architected many school projects in the next 18 years, and was the principal author of Round Rock ISD's first computer technology center and curriculum. He was a key advocate and helped direct the success of all vocational clubs, and notably the Texas Future Farmers of America. A role model for his FFA students, he led by example and lived by its motto: "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve." Earl retired from Round Rock ISD in 1986. Earl was active in his church, Palm Valley Lutheran serving as a member of the church council, building committee, Vacation Bible School teacher and volunteer, and usher. He also served on the board of directors at Trinity Place Apartments in Round Rock. Earl is predeceased by his father, mother, and sister Hazel Selph and husband Melvin. Earl is survived by his devoted wife Janis Haukoos Seay, of Round Rock; son Michael Earl Seay of Elgin; Monte Buschow and wife of League City, Paul Buschow and wife Andrea of Hutto; daughter Debora Sue Webb and husband, Jeffrey of Austin; Joni Buschow of Austin, Heather Owens of Round Rock, Debby Kaye Miller and husband, Edward of Houston, Charlotte Fogle and husband, Glenn of Round Rock, Dottie Stanford of Dallas; grandchildren Candice Webb, Eric Webb, Marla Barkman, Kevin Nelson and wife Brittney, Wesley Fogle, Katherine Fogle, Nathan Lusk and wife Janna, Riva Buschow and fiancé, Dustin, James Buschow, Erica Buschow, Michael Buschow, Andrea Beerbower, Joshua Beerbower, Kiera Owens; great-grandsons, Justice Barkman, Caleb Barkman, Jonathan Lusk, Patrick Lusk; great-granddaughters, Gwendolyn Lusk, Genevieve Lusk. Earl's sharp wit, love for golf, and his wholesome Christian and pragmatic influence not only on central Texas youth, but also on his beloved family and so many dear friends, will always be remembered. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at Beck Funeral Home, 15709 Ranch Rd 620, Austin Texas 78717. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2012, in Palm Valley Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Dave Koppel, officiating. Interment will be in the Capital Memorial Park Cemetery. A special thank you to Dr. Kocs and his wonderful staff, Hospice Compassus, Visiting Angels, Pastor Dave Koppel, and all the supportive members of Palm Valley Lutheran Church for all their love and support. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Earl's memory, to Hospice Compassus, or Palm Valley Lutheran Church, 2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78664. Arrangements under the direction of Beck Funeral Home Austin/Round Rock, Texas, 78664.