Marvin Russell Seaman

Published 10:19 pm Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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Marvin Russell Seaman, beloved and devoted husband of Alice, died peacefully at home on Oct. 1, 2021, with family by his side, three weeks before his 95th birthday. He was born on Oct. 20, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, to parents, Rena Belle and Arthur Campbell Seaman. He grew up in South Bend, Indiana. He was predeceased by two brothers, William and Ralph; and sister, Harriet Damianakes.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Alice; two sons, Mark and wife, Phyllis, of Atlanta, Georgia, and John and wife, Sara, of Painter; daughter, Cynthia Winer and husband, Joseph, of Austin, Texas; grandsons, Craig and Kevin Seaman; granddaughters, Lauren Haji and Rachel Simms; great-granddaughter, Kayla Winer-Winkler; two great-grandsons, Tucker and Finley Seaman; and several nieces and nephews.

Marvin graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend. He attended the University of California, Berkeley. He also attended the College of William and Mary, Norfolk Division. He retired from the U.S. Navy, where he served during World War II in the South Pacific. He was a plank owner of LST 725. He participated in the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. Later, he served on the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. He was stationed on Guam, in Naples, Italy, Treasure Island and the Norfolk Naval Base, with his wife always by his side. He retired as a senior chief petty officer in 1965 and enjoyed a second career with Ford Aerospace, now Lockheed Martin, where he was employed as a systems engineer. A three-year assignment in England preceded his retirement in 1988. He and his wife enjoyed extensive travels, visiting many foreign countries and territories as well as our National Parks.

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Marvin was a member of the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department and served a term as president of the board. He had been a vestry member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chuckatuck and of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth. He is a freemason with Nansemond Lodge #77. He enjoyed a long, active membership with the Chuckatuck Ruritan Club and was their oldest member.

Marvin took every opportunity to spend time with his beloved grandchildren. He was an avid reader and enjoyed over 54 years at Holly Loch, their home on the quiet Chuckatuck Creek. He loved the Navy and was always eager to share his stories with one and all.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chuckatuck. Weather permitting, it will be held at the altar by the pond. A reception will follow on the lawn. His internment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Church or a charity of your choice.  www.SturtevantFH.com