Fred Carl Seyforth

Fred Carl Seyforth, age 89, of Port St. Joe, Florida, passed away on February 25, 2026. He was born in Freeport, Texas, to Carl and Gertrude Seyforth. During his childhood, Fred traveled throughout the United States with his parents before the family settled in Apalachicola, Florida. There, he attended Chapman School and proudly played the trumpet in the Chapman Band. The family were faithful attendees of First United Methodist Church.

As a young adult, Fred moved to Fennville, Michigan, where his sisters resided. While working at the Harris Pie Company in nearby Saugatuck, he met the love of his life, Caroline May Gotham. They were married on June 17, 1955, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than seventy years. Fred worked as a tree trimmer for Consumer Power while living in Fennville.

As newlyweds, Fred built a basement home in Fennville where they lived until their house was completed. Together they were blessed with three children: Charles Frederick, Karyl Ann, and Valerie Kay.

In 1964, Fred and Caroline returned to Apalachicola to be near his parents. There, Fred worked in the seafood industry, and purchased (and later sold) two shrimp boats in his lifetime. He crabbed and oystered on Apalachicola Bay providing for his family. After their home was built on Shadow Lane, Fred transitioned into a career in life insurance, where he worked faithfully and successfully until his retirement.

During his time in Apalachicola, Fred was involved in his community. He served as president of the Apalachicola High School Band Boosters, was a member of the Apalachicola Jaycees, and belonged to Apalachicola Masonic Lodge #76. In 2022, he was honored with his 50-year Masonic membership pin. He loved fishing on the Apalachicola Bay and River, gathering oysters to share with family, and hunting.

In 2005, Fred and Caroline built a home in Port St. Joe to be closer to their daughters. There, Fred enjoyed coffee at Sisters Restaurant with the guys and Sunday buffets at Great Wall Chinese Restaurant. He treasured rides with Valerie searching for coastal birds for her to photograph, and outings with Karyl to favorite spots in Apalachicola, including the “graveyard” and the “DP bench.” Fred attended First Baptist Church of Port St. Joe.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Gertrude Seyforth; his son, Charles “Chuck” Seyforth; his sisters, Eleanor Welder and Juanita Vojvodic; and his brothers-in-laws, Archie Welder, Charles Vojvodic, Marshall Greene, and Lewis Gotham.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Caroline; his daughters, Karyl Gavigan and Valerie (Jeff) Skeen; his grandchildren, Heather (Samuel) Lawson and Austin (Kalyn) Clayton; his great-grandchildren, Caroline and Cade Clayton; his sisters-in-laws, Norma Greene and Margaret Gotham; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services will be held at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Magnolia Cemetery in Apalachicola, Florida with Pastor Bobby Alexander officiating, under the direction of the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Port St. Joe, Florida, or to The Gideons International.