After lifelong years of good health, Phillip D. Seely, 84, of Mineral Wells, WV, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025. He passed peacefully, with his wife by his side, in the way they chose, at their local personal home that he built. He passed after a sudden, short illness, and a major surgery, during which he exhibited super strength and courage beyond human endurance.
He graduated from Camden Frontier High School in Camden, Michigan with the class of 1959 and graduated after completing a four year degree in Carpentry in 1968, from Jackson Community College, Jackson, Michigan. He worked as a Union Carpenter & Superintendent 53 years, officially retiring in 2015. The last 16 years of his career, he worked in construction sales & management.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, the love of his life & devoted caregiver, Irene Ross Seely and three of his four children, Sheryl Matthews (Tony) of Gahanna, OH; Mark Seely (Lisa) of Jonesville, MI and Cindy Gilpatrick of Surprise, AZ; 10 of 11 grandchildren & 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Jim (Della) of Jackson, Mich; Dave (Carol) of Lancaster, OH , sister-in-law Janice Seely Rickard (Wes) of Hillsdale, Mich; son-in-law Randy Rumsey of Fremont, IN; sister-in-law, Mary Sue Ross of St Marys, WV. and several nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Linford & Ruth Seely, of Reading, Mich; brother Tom Seely of Osseo, MI; daughter Kimberly Rumsey of Fremont, IN; grandchild Chris Hobart of Hillsdale, Mich; brother-in-law Wendell Ross of St Marys, WV and sister-in-law, Hope Bennett Meanor of Belmont, WV.
He loved to travel with his wife, having visited all 50 U.S. States, 4 continents, many foreign countries, and sailings on 21 cruises. They were devoted to each other and shared a bond of love that radiated among their family and friends.
He was quite active & loyal to the organizations to which he belonged and held offices in his earlier years. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and was past Master of the Hillsdale Michigan Lodge #32. He was a licensed pilot, & operated and flew small aircraft.
He was a highly skilled and experienced Master Carpenter, a member of Carpenter Local 899, having worked on many industrial and commercial buildings locally & in Michigan. He also built several houses, the latest being his personal local area home. He was a U.S. Patent owner for his invention of a device used in scaffolding erection. There was no end to the skills he possessed. He could fix or make anything, and many family, friends and neighbors were fortunate to reap the benefits of his voluntary carpenter skills.
He was a patient, kind and decent man, with a giving heart. There will be a huge void in the lives of his family and friends, whose lives are better for having known him. Go rest high on that mountains, Phil, your work on earth is done. Your love, patient kindness and carpentry skills now have a higher calling. We, your wife, children, family and friends will always love you, and will forever cherish the memories of the good example you were, and the joy you brought to our lives.
Grief is the price we pay for love. Phil loved and was truly loved by many. May the happy & cherished memories we have of him in healthy times repair our grief and bring eventual healing and peace, which would be Phil’s wish.
Deep and heartfelt thanks to Nurses Jana, Jess, Melinda, Gracie; PCTs Amy, Carissa, Bailey, and all of the amazing healthcare professionals on 4 North at Marietta Memorial Hospital. Thanks to Natasha, Felicia, & Aides at Comfort Keepers Belpre, OH, for their kind & compassionate care; and to Nurses Maggie & Bridget at Amedysis Hospice Care, Vienna,WV. To all mentioned, your kindnesses shown were above & beyond, and were truly inspirational. Phil was a cooperative patient & felt your love & care and had deep respect for your hard work and dedication. To him, you were and are true heroes.
A special and sincere thank you to Windsor Estates neighbors, who gave unwavering support and help, and friends and family who gave local support or sent texts, cards or gifts & did so from a distance. Forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers & gifts, and in remembrance of Phil, please consider a donation to Comfort Keepers, 400 Main St, Belpre, OH; Amedysis Hospice Care, 2200 Grand Central Avenue, Suite 102, Vienna, WV; a random act of kindness; a helping hand to one in need, a donation to the charity or organization of your choosing, in his name. Or simply share a memory of him, with love & laughter.
In honoring Phil’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com.
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