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David Seamands Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Seamands
Charles Naylor
March 29, 2025
I had the privilege of attending Asbury College and Seminary from 1974 to 1981. During those years it was a joy to year Rev. Seaman preach. His book, "Healing for Damage Emotions" set the tone for my 40 years of ministry. Most of my sermons, counseling sessions, and teaching were greatly affected by his book.
I big thank you to him and I pray that my life will represent Jesus as his life did.
Rev. Lou E. Troester, lll Asbury Class of '65
July 24, 2024
Semands family: I was at Asbury when the your family came to Wilmore. I greatly appreciated the ministry of "Little David" as my notes on his sermons said, and his family. So glad to have walked with you all in those times. Class of 65
Wendy Nayar
November 9, 2023
My parents (Cuthie and Jean; both no more) knew your parents when they were in Bangalore. Have heard my parents talk about them. My parents' home (where I stay now) has memories of your parents: a rocking chair; a beautiful picture of Jesus praying at Gethsemane; and an LP record "Pastel Moods by Oscar Peterson" with their names signed behind. The latter prompted me to google and find this page. take care. Wendy Nayar ([email protected])
Alex Gillan
March 6, 2023
I met this dear man when visiting the US in Jan '94. I was researching the life of John Thomas (OMS missionary to Korea) at the time. Brother Seamands (along with three other singers from Asbury) accompanied John Thomas on one of his world preaching tours. I have a copy of brother Seamands journal of the tour. (Alex)
K
June 7, 2021
Brother David's Works radically changed my life. I know his family misses him. Looking forward to seeing him in Heaven!
Bob & Edith Stamper
June 13, 2007
To Dr. Seamands family ---
I'm late with guest book signing because I'm new to the internet this year. I wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and we are praying for you. God bless all the family of David and Helen Seamands.
I first knew Helen and Dr. Seamands from the Old Epworth Methodist Church on Rand Avenue in Lexington, KY. Helen's father and mother were Dr. Warner P. Davis and Mrs. Davis.
He was pastor of Epworth. We loved Brother Davis and his wife and their children so very much. My father and mother were Frank and Bertha Stamper ( she remarried after dad died & it's now Bertha Stamper Wallace ). My brothers LeRoy Stamper, Gary Stamper, and I were young boys when Brother Davis started the building of the church at 1015 North Limestone. ( It is now called The Rock / La Roca UMC and my wife Edith Patton Stamper, my mother Bertha Stamper Wallace, and I still attend in the same building that Dr. Davis had built. My brothers are still members ).
It was a thrill to see Helen and Dr. Seamands when they came back to the states from the mission fields. They had wonderful experiences that they related to our Epworth congregation.
We were enthralled with these new insights from far away places.
May our Lord Jesus Christ ever be with the family, friends, and students of Dr. David Seamands and shower them with His Blessings, Healing, and Comfort. We add to that request, the Tender Mercies, Peace, and the Agape Love of God will be included for them.
Psalm 94:19 (King James Bible)
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Lamentations 3:24 (King James Bible)
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Laine Shuler
August 19, 2006
So significant was David Seamonds in our lives that shortly after the birth of our first born child, we drove from California to Wilmore for David to baptize Jene Kristen, proclaiming her adoption by grace. Our minister, counselor, friend and mentor, David always led us with strength, balance and humor to a fuller understanding of God's unconditional love. We are so grateful for his rich presence and ongoing influence in our lives. Dear Seamands family, I pray you will know the blessing of being consoled in your tremendous loss.
Wendel B. Arms
August 16, 2006
I would like to add my voice to the large chorus of people who are grateful to God for the life of David Seamonds. I weep with joy as I write this, recalling his wonderful, practical,solidBibllical sermons I heard him preach. In the 1960's he was a breath of fresh air. His infuence on lives, the United Methodist Church, and Asbry Institutions will be remembered. Blessing on the family at this time.
Dan Mostad
August 8, 2006
I am blessed to have been a grandson of Dr. Seamands. He was not just a grandfather, but an example of what a life surrendered to Christ can become. He listened to me and helped me in some crucial times of my own life. He baptized me and prayed for me. I will miss you, Granddad, but your memory will live on.
Julia McCormick Smith
August 8, 2006
For Christ, Dr. Seamands poured out his life into ours. That Life will continue living in thousands of us for a very, very long time. We were so needy; and, through eternity, we will be so grateful. Blessings on you, dear Seamands family, for allowing that.
Vernon Wease
August 6, 2006
Dr Seamands opened the door for many of us who were struggling. We were finally able to admit our damage and pain in a holiness structure that seemed to require the need for human perfection. His personal grace and mercy was a channel of God as he ministered to others. Heaven is richer and Dr. Seamands is living with the healer of damaged emotions at this moment.
Wes Gaskins
August 5, 2006
I'm an ole neighborhood kid from the mid 60's early 70's. At such a young age I was sometimes restless but I listened to (and absorbed) the sermons - Dr. Seamand's teachings planted a seed. It gave me a foundation.....a solid foundation. I stay hungry to serve God. I pray that my ministry touches lives with the same effect as Dr. Seamand's ministries... a desire to stay close to God and serve Him unconditionally. And, to always listen for His voice in my thoughts and my desires.
Thank you Dr. Seamands for the seed.
You're good fruit.!
Connie Hughes
August 5, 2006
I am so appreciative of Dr. Seamands for the book, Healing for Damaged Emotions, which was very beneficial to me at a crucial time in my life. I am so sorry for the loss to his family.
Joy Wease Boutakov
August 4, 2006
I felt a tremendous sense of loss at the news of Dr. Seamands' death while a great feeling of rejoicing and celebration was also present. How I'd have loved to have been there for the service at Wilmore UMC this week. I am thankful for his chapel messages I was blessed to hear during my seminary days, the individual counseling Dr. Seamands fit into his already buldging schedule, and also for the classes he taught when I went through ATS. He was a rare breed. My life is not the same for time exposed to his wisdom and teaching, both through daily life, and through words spoken and written.
David and Sarah John
August 4, 2006
Six years ago today Grandpa Seamands officiated our wedding ceremony. We were so very honored to have him with us. We are proud to be a part of this family because of the legacy he gave us. We will miss him dearly.
Grandpa, we love you.
Dr Greg Ryan
August 4, 2006
I remember David's sermons when I attended the Wilmore UM from 1976-77. He was an inspirational pastor and of course his sermons on The Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son have changed my life. I've been a Hospice chaplain for years. Thanks to all the Seamands Family
Connie (Hanson) Coppings
August 3, 2006
May the Seamands feel God's strength and peace during this time of grief. I was privileged to not only know him as pastor during my days at Asbury College, but also as friend. He helped me find the courage to live out my dreams. Today I am a writer becasue of that influence. Thanks, Dr. David!
Jan/Tom Sparrow
August 3, 2006
I was counseled by Dr. David even prior to attending Asbury College, and his advice and wisdom helped me make crucial life decisions. I am truly grateful for his influence in my life. Tom and I remember vividly his sermons throughout our student years at Asbury College and still refer to his books as pivotal resources for our lives and ministries. One wonderful memory we have is of Dr. David officiating our wedding. Thank you, Helen, for being such a supportive wife and example. Thank you, Steve and Carol, Sharon and Deborah, for sharing your very special father with the rest of us. With our deepest love, Jan and Tom Sparrow
Larry & Carol Kalajainen
August 3, 2006
David was mentor, friend, counselor, and teacher of preaching extraordinaire. A generation of us learned more about preaching from listening to his sermons than we did in preaching classes.
When we were preparing to leave the U.S. for mission service in Malaysia, David and Helen took us out to dinner in Lexington and David left us with a motto that has served us well ever since. "Remember," he said, "the Lord provides for fools and missionaries." We can vouch for the truth of that, though we've never quite figured out which category we fit into. We remember his life, his voice, and his courage with gratitude.
Sharon Irvine
August 2, 2006
I was blessed, so blessed, to have David Seamands as a father. He showed me what unconditional love was all about and made it easier for me to understand the love of my heavenly father. I will miss him more than I can say.
Mary Vore Iwamoto
August 2, 2006
Our prayers are with your family in this time of mixed sorrow at your loss, and rejoicing in the life of someone who was God's special instrument. Doc's sermons were a major basis for spiritual growth during and after college.
Joyce Bishop
August 1, 2006
Dr. Seamands was a true blessing to many of us. I still have my notes from his sermons and often refer to them. Joyce Koch Bishop 1965
Sharon Naylor Sparks
August 1, 2006
I was a student at Asbury College 1979 and 1980.
Knowing I'd be hearing Dr. Seamands preach was the only thing that could get me out of bed on a Sunday morning. His preaching appealed to me because it was practical...and he was so knowing of human behavior. I remember making an appointment with him for a counseling session...I was so afraid someone would find out... there was still that stigma attatched to counseling...Man! It's too bad I never went back...I just couldn't get up that 20 year old nerve! :)
Ted Burkman
August 1, 2006
David was a very good friend. He molded my life in many ways. He was my pastor for 7 1/2 years. I remember him explaining how he set up each of his sermon series - some of them took years to develop. We talked occasionally on the phone after I left Wilmore. I have never forgotten the times we spent discussing our lives and how we connected to the UMC. Through his books and my memories he continues to minister to me.
Linda Carruth-Davis
August 1, 2006
doc was one of the most influential people in my life. I was privileged to sit under his preaching and to grow under his counsel. Like many others I still treasure my notes from his sermons at church and in chapel.
I rejoice to think of him at peace face to face with Jesus.
Brenda Plummer
August 1, 2006
To all of Dr. Seamands family, my heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you. Dr. Seamands was a blessing to so many of us while we were students at Asbury, and through his writings and teachings throughout our lives. He is a wonderful memory.
Thank you for being a family who knew and shared Jesus.
Willard Pannabecker, PhD
August 1, 2006
My sympathy to Mrs. Seamands and the family. I didn't grow up Methodist, but as a student at ATS, I found my spiritual "home" in the United Methodist Church. In the intervening 40 years since I left Wilmore, David Seamands' incredible skill as a preacher puts him alongside John Wesley and Francis Asbury in my thinking.
Rev. Lou Troester
August 1, 2006
Dr. David Seamands was a powerful influence in my spiritual growth while in the Asbury years (Class of 65). Dr. Seamands was a foot soldier of the Lord I was glad to know and respect. May God grant you all the strength and mercy you need in this and every day.
Bill Ury
August 1, 2006
Dear Mrs. Seamands, Steve and family,
Today I join thousands of others in praising Jesus for Dr. Seamands life and ministry. The eight years of hearing holiness proclaimed so healthfully and lovingly meant that my life was never to be the same. Dr. Seamands ministered to me in profoundly Christlike ways. I am so grateful to have been blessed by the entire Seamands family. The self-giving love of the Savior is evident in all you have done for us whose lives you have touched. We are carrying you in our hearts today.
Kent and Joy Kocher Kroehler
August 1, 2006
We join with countless others in expressing our sympathy to Helen and her family as well as our wonder at the transport of David to eternity.
We were blessed beyond words to experience David's ministry for about 6 years at Wilmore Methodist Church. His presence, gifts, sermons, counsel, and friendship mark our lives as one of many fresh winds of the Spirit. He planted in us the seeds of understanding about God's grace and recovery. And he and Helen lived graceful recovery in their own ordinary and extraordinary ways. We thank God for David, instrument of grace.
Julia Kay Glover Simms
August 1, 2006
As a "Wilmore kid," I was privileged to grow up under the preaching ministry of Dr. Seamands. Throughout my life, I have continued to be grateful for the guidance I received from Dr. Seamands' sermons Sunday after Sunday. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today.
Charles Whittle
August 1, 2006
David was a positive influence on my life - as well as the entire UMC
Terri & Mark Smith
August 1, 2006
A rush of memories came as soon as I realized I was reading Dr. Seamand's obituary. His preaching changed my life and forever altered my perception of God as my tender father. Hearing him preach the Healing for Damaged Emotion series is still one of the high points of my Christian life.
Our condolences to all the family. A special hello to Stephanie, who accompanied our family to the beach with our daughter, Erin.
Anne Welling Kline
August 1, 2006
I am incredibly blessed to have had David as my pastor from 3rd grade until I graduated from college. He was the most influential person in my growth as a young Christian. I still have many notes taken from his sermons. He gave his sheep scriptural truths, taught us how to "dig" and hunger for a deeper understanding and knowledge of what it meant to be a follower of Christ. Thank you, David.
I am with you in prayer and spirit at 2PM today. May you celebrate how God used David's life. . may you joy in David's willingness to know who God is. . . may you take consolation in how much God loves David.
Karen McCutcheon Groszczyk
July 31, 2006
My heart has been crying since I learned of the home going of our beloved David. His wise counsel of so many hurting students will never be forgotten. His legacy lives in the lives of countless thousands of people. My heart felt prayers are with you, Helen and family. Thank you David for serving us so faithfully.
Charles & JoAnn Dupree
July 31, 2006
We have been praying for Dr. Seamands and we will continue to pray for the family. The Seamands family have meant so much to us and especially David. May God greatly bless and comfort each of you.
Gail [McAllister] & Roger Nunn
July 31, 2006
It was a pleasure to hear personally via his sermons, and read the God-given wisdom of David Seamands--his spiritual insights combined with his insight on healing damaged emotions that have helped the Asbury family and untold others in innumerable ways. These insights are being passed around the world by those of us he so greatly influenced.
I thank our Lord for His Providence in getting me [Roger] cross-country to Wilmore where I was able to be ministered to by David Seamands' Bible-based teachings (and later through his many books) to begin to deal with issues I had 'stuffed' as a child.
It is such a blessing and honor to have had him as a part of our lives! Helen, and family, you are in our hearts and prayers.
Bob Maxwell
July 31, 2006
In the formation for life while a student at the college, the Wilmore Methodist Church and the example of pastoral and preaching ministry by Dr. Seamond's was seminal.
My oldest son was baptized at his hands. My witness to people long forgotten in India, particulary Rev Lee of the Nazarene's was recieved because the Seamonds had prayed for me and David had been my pastor.
I look forward to that great reunion at the Supper of the Lamb.
Lavena Caister
July 31, 2006
Dear Helen and Family --
David Seamands was a blessing in my life and a joy to work with. You are in my prayers for God's comfort and strength during this time of sorrow.
John E. Harnish
July 31, 2006
I still have in my files copies of his sermons and notes taken in the balcony of the Wilmore Church and I still follow the pattern of "series preaching" which we learned from him. Beyond the preaching, I think many of us who lived through the trauma around the presidency at the college in the 60's are grateful for his steady voice and encouragement. He, J.T. and their father leave a legacy in India, Wilmore and in the lives of preachers like me across the country.
Carol Sue Ray
July 31, 2006
Helen and your whole family, please accept my heartfelt love as you have lost dear David. He was one of the most significant influences in my life. You are all in my prayers.
Carole McCutcheon
July 31, 2006
My love and prayers are with you, Helen and family. Your lives and ministry played a significant role in my life - and your influence lives on in my son, David, named after your David. May our Blessed Hope sustain and comfort you.
James Harnish
July 31, 2006
I am grateful to be part of an entire generation of preachers who were profoundly influenced by the quality, clarity and faithfulness of David's preaching during some of the greatest years of his ministry at the Wilmore UM Church. He wrestled with the truth like Jacob wrestling with the angel and led us, limping, into a deeper commitment to the high calling of God. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life and the faith he so boldly proclaimed.
Lori Broschat
July 31, 2006
Condolences to Steve and family: Dr. Seamands brought great healing to the world and was an Asbury legend. God will be blessed to see him.
Craig Cheney
July 31, 2006
I thank God for the ministry of Dr. Seamands. His presence enriched the community at Asbury and will be missed by many.
Mike Sawyer
July 31, 2006
Ms. Seamands, Steve, and family
Thinking of you.
Mike Sawyer
Birmingham, AL
James and Patricia Doran
July 30, 2006
Dr. Seamands was my spiritual father. His ministry provided my husband and I with the foundation for a strong and balanced Christian walk. Our prayers and love to his family.
Paul McCutcheon
July 30, 2006
Enjoyed many fun times with David and Helen while living in Wilmore. Pie after Sunday eve. church, meals at "The Colonels Lady", and the priviledge of participating in the church services with the bonus of hearing those great sermons.
Mary John Dye
July 30, 2006
My whole family is grateful for the shared friendship through the years. We are remembering you in prayer. Mary John (Shepherd)
Wanda Crain Vice
July 30, 2006
The quality of Dr. Seamonds ministry was indeed rare.
If more ministers were of his caliber, the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of nations could be more easily attained.
Deborah Mostad
July 30, 2006
I love you, Dad.
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