Kenneth E. Sebasty

Kenneth E. Sebasty Sr., age 91, passed away on January 14, 2025, concluding a long, very well-lived life. Ken graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1952. Ken was a lifelong farmer in the New Carlisle area, and in his early years of farming, achieved the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year Award for St. Joseph County. He raised corn, wheat and soybeans through the years, and even experimented with raising some hogs one season. His passion was farming, and it showed. He worked long hours in the fields, tilling, planting, irrigating and harvesting his crops. He dearly loved his John Deere tractors and equipment, and over the years, collected over 30 antique John Deere tractors. He also had a love for 1978/79 Ford pickup trucks and would drive long distances to bring another truck home for his collection. He enjoyed farming with his son and grandsons over the years and just retired a few short years ago. Even after retiring, he could be found in the field picking up rocks, looking at the crops, testing soil or just checking to see how things were going on the farm. Ken would always make the time to talk to anybody who stopped by the farm lots of talking and storytelling took place over the years!
Ken was a veteran. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army for two years, and he valued this service highly. His main area of service was military transportation, but he also spoke of his experience playing on the basketball team, as well as having the privilege of seeing much of Europe while overseas.
He also served the local community as a two-term member of the school board for the New Prairie United School Corporation and was also a member of both the St. Joseph County Drainage Board and the Tri-County Drainage Board. In addition, he was president of the Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA) Board, a federal program that provided job training and employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged people. He also served on the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Private Industry Council Board and was a charter member of the New Carlisle Bank Board.
Ken's love of his life was his wife of nearly 66 years, Elaine, who survives. Growing up, they lived about a mile from each other, rode the bus together to bible school, and eventually, had their first date. Ken and Elaine were married in 1959 in Three Oaks, MI. They lived in New Carlisle for the first few years of their marriage before moving to their homestead on the farm, where they resided for many years. They supported each other through the years. Elaine took meals to the field for Ken when he was busy farming. On snowy mornings, he would drive Elaine to the Lions Club Building in New Carlisle where she taught 4th grade. He shoveled the sidewalk for the students before they arrived and affectionately acquired the nickname, "Muscles."
Ken loved his family. He adored family get togethers birthday parties and Christmas parties held a special place in his heart. He faithfully attended most of his grandchildren's sporting events. He was always their biggest cheerleader, offering praise and also some advice, of course.
Ken and Elaine have two children who survive: Carla (Tom) Morton of Granger, IN and Ken Jr. (Lori) Sebasty of New Carlisle. Ken has 10 grandchildren: Matthew Sebasty, Gina (Lee) Gustafson, Evan Sebasty, Paige Sebasty, Brooklyn Sebasty, Kyle Anderson, Danielle (Bailey) Capron, Chad (Cozy) Morton, Alexandria (Derek) Moser, and Cassandra (Caleb) Landrum.
His great-grandchildren number many: Gabe Banicki, LT and Logan Gustafson, Hunter, Hayden and Emma Sebasty, Annie, Liam, and Aria Sebasty, Harrison Moser and Isaiah Landrum.
Ken has two siblings left to cherish his memory: Martha Milliken and Dennis Sebasty. He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Sebasty Sr. and his mother, Florence Sebasty, as well as siblings Leslie Sebasty Jr., Carl Sebasty, and Paul Sebasty.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers that provided love, care and support for Ken over the past eight months.
Visitation will be held from 11-1 pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI. A celebration of life service will follow at 1 pm, also at the funeral home with Pastor Ryan Lutz officiating. Interment will take place in Galien Cemetery, with full military honors rendered by the Buchanan American Legion, Post 51 and the United States Army. There will be a luncheon after the graveside at the Buchanan American Legion. Those not attending the graveside are still invited to fellowship at the legion until the graveside concludes. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation as an expression of sympathy.