Robert Paul Seifert

Robert Paul Seifert was born on September 12, 1927 in Kingman, Kansas and passed away peacefully at his home in Collierville on June 29, 2018. Growing up on a wheat farm in Kansas, he developed a passion for agriculture. He proudly served in the Navy, and then graduated from Kansas State University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Agronomy. Although his family wanted him to return to the farm, he wanted to make an impact in agri-business that led him in a new and broader direction.


Following his graduation, he began working for Pioneer Hi-Bred, the company he loved. During his remarkable 44-year career, Bob developed corn hybrids that produced amazing results for farmers domestically and globally. While at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Bob served in multiple roles, starting as a Corn Station Manager, retiring as Senior Vice President, Senior Research Fellow in 1995. Bob had a profound impact on corn hybrid research like few others in the industry.


While he led a successful career, what was most important to him was his faith in God and the love of his family and friends. He met the love of his life, Norma Lee Orme, when they were children. After they were married in 1949, they enjoyed 68 wonderful years together. After graduating from college, they lived in Princeton, Indiana, Union City, Tennessee and Des Moines, Iowa. They retired in 1995 to Collierville, Tennessee. Throughout their lives, Bob and Norma were committed to raising their three children and serving the Lord.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Grace Seifert, and his wife, Norma Lee Seifert. He is survived by his sister, JoAnn Noblit; three children, Jill Peak (Gerry), Rob Seifert (JoAnn) and Tanna Hanger (Greg); eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.


A time of visitation will be held Saturday, July 14th, at 1 p.m., followed by a service at 2:30 p.m. at Central Church, Collierville. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the American Heart Association or Central Church.