John E Sellers Jr.

Lifelong Advocate for Soil Health, Water Quality, and Sustainable Agriculture
John E. Sellers Jr., 80, of Corydon, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, under hospice care at Wayne County Hospital with his son Charles by his side. Surrounded by visiting family and friends the day prior, he left this world with the love of his community close at hand.
Born July 30, 1945, to John and Harriett Sellers, John was a lifelong Wayne County resident. He grew up with his brother Patrick and sister Susan, graduated from Cambria-Corydon High School, and went on to study agronomy and environmental sciences at Iowa State University. After college, he returned home to farm in Union Township with his wife, Jean (Collins). Together they raised two sons, Charles and Travis.
From an early age, John was devoted to agriculture and conservation. He joined Farm Bureau in 1966, eventually serving as Wayne County President from 2000-2002. Following in his father's footsteps, he became a Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioner, serving as Chair from 1990 until his passing. He also represented Wayne County on the Southern Iowa Development & Conservation Authority Board, the Rathbun Land & Water Alliance, and as a Region 9 Board Director for Conservation Districts of Iowa.
Over his five decades of service, John held leadership roles in numerous organizations including the Iowa Forage & Grassland Council, American Forage & Grassland Council, IDALS State Soil Conservation & Water Quality Committee, and as Wayne County Supervisor. He also worked as a Soil Conservationist with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service during the 1980s farm crisis, guiding farmers through difficult times with practical conservation solutions.
John's efforts brought long-lasting improvements to soil health, water quality, and rural communities across Iowa. As a mentor and advocate, he inspired many to balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. His final act of service was attending a Wayne County SWCD meeting on September 9, 2025.
John is survived by his son, Charles (Erika) Sellers of Grimes; daughter-in-law, Christina Sellers of Kirbyville, MO; grandchildren, Chelse (Bryce) Hartley, Jordan (Kenzie) Sellers, and Taylor (Jacob) Shackelford; great-grandchildren, Hudson Sellers, Brylee Hartley, Luke Sellers, and Charlee Hartley; brother, Patrick (Kristi) Sellers; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Kathy Showers.He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Susan Porter; wives Jean and Susan; and son Travis.
Despite health challenges following a kidney transplant, John remained committed to conservation and his farm, which his family will continue to preserve in his honor.
A memorial reception will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, with a program and open mic for sharing memories at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be directed to the Wayne County SWCD Booster Club, which supports conservation education and scholarships for local students. Memorials may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home Attn: Sellers Family, 303 E. Jefferson Corydon, IA 50060. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
John will be remembered for his vision, leadership, and kindness - and for leaving the land, water, and community better than he found them.