Denny Seaman

Richard Dennis ‘Denny’ Seaman, 72, of Champaign, Ill., passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, with his wife and three daughters by his side. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he lived a life defined by hard work, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to those he loved.

Denny was born on June 22, 1952, to Ralph Richard ‘Bud’ and Ellen Jane (Hendrickson) Seaman. He was raised in the small, tight-knit community of Arthur, Ill., with his four siblings. Denny graduated from Arthur High School in 1970; it was here that he met his wife, Nancy (Sieber) Seaman. Denny and Nancy were married in 1974 and put down roots in Champaign, Ill., where they raised their daughters, Alissa, Arin, and Ashley. As a proud and dedicated father, Denny provided unwavering support and guidance to his girls, instilling in them the value of hard work, integrity and perseverance.

Denny’s career began at Humko in Champaign, Ill, where he quickly demonstrated his potential and determination to provide for his family. His knowledge and work-ethic naturally led to a career in sales at Johnson Matthey, where he achieved great success and had the opportunity to travel across Europe, North America & South America. Known for his charisma, integrity and ability to connect with people, Denny was not just a salesman but a trusted advisor and a beloved colleague.

Denny loved cheering on the Fighting Illini, attending his girl’s sporting events and win or lose, Sundays were reserved for the Chicago Bears. On warm summer afternoons you could find Denny boating with family and friends, or alone on the water, fishing. It brought him great joy to vacation in Florida with his wife and daughters, and later his grandchildren. These adventures have filled his family with countless memories and stories to tell. 

Denny also embraced the simple pleasures later in life. He was an avid golfer who loved the camaraderie and challenge of the sport. A skilled cook, he delighted in preparing meals that brought everyone together, filling their hearts as much as their plates. Denny and Nancy found great joy spending their winter months on the beach in Florida. They enjoyed the warmth and beauty of the ocean and were blessed to have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in their cherished winter home. 

Denny was an active member of First Mennonite Church of Urbana, where he served proudly on the hospitality committee and loved to hand the children dollar bills as they gathered for the Children’s story and offering. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Sieber) Seaman; daughters, Alissa (Doug) Kerans, Arin (Neil) Cox, and Ashley (Nate) Mast; and seven grandchildren, Braeden Seaman-Kesler, Jaeden Seaman-Kesler, Jake Cox, Cade Cox, Nolan Mast, Kendall Mast, and Kylan Mast. He is also survived by one sister, DeeAnn (Mike) Daily, and a wide circle of family and friends touched by his generosity, quick wit and sometimes unvarnished truth.

Denny is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Ellen (Hendrickson) Seaman, his brother Wilbur Dean ‘Butch’ Seaman, and sisters Jo Ellen Seaman and April Seaman. 

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield Avenue, Urbana, Ill. At Denny’s request, a meal and time of fellowship will follow the service at a local establishment, to be announced during the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to First Mennonite Church.