Kenneth R. Seitz

Kenneth Ronald Seitz was born September 20, 1932 at home in Madison, South Dakota to Charles and Clara Seitz. He was called home to join his Heavenly Father on August 9, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Dewayne, Eugene and Lester. K. R., as he was known to his many friends, graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951 where he excelled as a baseball pitcher and played some semi-pro ball. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy on January 16, 1952, where he served as a personal aide to the Commander, Mine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and then on three Mine Sweeper ships. K.R. was released from active duty on December 1, 1955 and discharged on January 15, 1960. He married Doris McLain on July 26, 1955. To that marriage, three children (Charles, Kristi, and Brenda) were born. On September 7, 1977, K. R. married Joyce Stanfill. From that marriage, he gained another son, Stan Flowers. K.R. was educated at Dakota State College in Madison and Oklahoma City University. K.R. continued his service to his country when he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard on June, 4, 1974. K.R. enjoyed a long career in both banking and the military. His banking career started in Southern California when he entered the Bank of America Officers Training Program. He then served in a number of advancing positions throughout Southern California. He also worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers where he served in various positions including the Stadium Club where players would gather after games. He saw many World Series games and regaled his family with Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale and a host of other Hall of Famer stories for years. One of his prized possessions was the magnum-sized Champagne bottle from the locker room that one of the players gave him after the World Series win. He left a promising career at the Bank of America to join the First National Bank of Chandler, Oklahoma because he and Doris thought the best interests of their young children would be served there. During his career in Chandler, he became the Bank President. He then moved to Drumright, Oklahoma as President of Citizens State Bank. In 1987, K.R. left banking and began a full-time career with the Oklahoma Army National Guard where he served for years as a nationally-known Transportation Officer for the United States Property and Fiscal Office. He loved his work with National Guard and the people he worked with. It was also rewarding as his son Charlie worked in the same location for years and they spent many lunches together. K.R. retired from service with the Army National Guard as a Master Sergeant on September 20, 1992, but continued to work in his position as a civilian until he retired on September 20, 1997. K.R. was also active as a Community leader serving as a member of the Chandler School Board, Chandler City Council, and in leadership positions at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, the Chandler Lions Club, and the American Legion Post 64. K.R. is survived by his wife Joyce of the home; his children Colonel Charles and Sherrie Seitz of Oklahoma City; Kristi and Greg Latcham of Bogota, Colombia; Brenda Seitz of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Stan and Ashley Flowers of Charleston, South Carolina. His grandchildren were the light of his life and brought him great joy. They are Jeremy and Aileen Latcham of Los Angeles, California; Jessica and Ryan Seitz-Fanning of Washington, D.C; Jared Seitz of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and the twins, Hayden and Rainey Flowers of Charleston, South Carolina. He is also survived by many friends and co-workers. He attended the Assembly of God Church in Chandler, Oklahoma. K.R. was a kind and gentle man who lived for his family and would give them anything he had. Mostly, he gave them his time, unconditional love, patience, and a strong work ethic. He loved two women in his life, Doris Hopper and Joyce Seitz. He and Joyce remained close friends with Doris and John Hopper, spending many weekends at family events playing Mexican Train. While K.R. may have retired from the Army National Guard, he always considered himself a Sailor. Some of his greatest memories were the trips he and Joyce frequently took to Hawaii where he would look over Pearl Harbor and reminisce on his time in the Navy. The family would like to extend special thanks to those who helped him in his declining years, especially the caring group of friends at Mo's and to the staff of the Integris Hospice House for their care at the end. Kenneth's family will receive friends on Sunday, August 11, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the Statehood Inn, 206 W. 8th, Chandler, OK. Expressions of sympathy may be made to: Integris Hospice House, 4344 NW Exp., OKC, OK 73116. Funeral services will be held 2:00PM, Monday, August 12, 2013, at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Chandler, with Rev. Dale Carney officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery.