Donald "Don" Ray Seelke

Donald “Don” Ray Seelke was born October 30, 1933 in Rockdale, Texas to Frank William and Ruby Mae (Waterson) Seelke. Don entered the United States Army June 16, 1953 and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge June 25, 1956. During his time in the military, he served during the Korean War and earned several medals. Don met his sweetheart, Melba Eileen Welch, while he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The two fell in love and were united in marriage August 12, 1956 at her grandmother’s house in Salem. Don and Melba shared sixty-five years of marriage and were blessed with two children: Robert and Patricia. Don worked hard to provide for his family and taught his children the value of hard work. He was employed with Courtney and Company in Texas before moving to Salem in 1971 and working for Amax Lead Mines. Don retired from Doe Run in 1996 after many dedicated years. Don was one of a kind and a do-it-yourself kind of guy; he could fix anything and liked tinkering around. Don enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially on his tractor tilling the garden, or putting up hay. He loved nature, watching the wildlife, and rescuing stray animals. Don was a sports enthusiast; he played softball until he was sixty-nine and often watched local high school football games. Don’s favorite hobby was time on the road in his 1964 Chevy Impala. Don was a great Christian man and longtime member of Salem First Baptist Church where he faithfully served on the bus ministry and in the nursery. He had a sweet, gentle, kind nurturing spirit and a heart for the little ones. He loved them like his own and was known as “Papa Don”. Faith and family were most important to Don. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Don valued the time with his family, he cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured the memories they made together. Don departed this life November 8, 2021 in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty-eight years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Melba Seelke of the home; son: Robert Seelke and wife Darla of Rolla, MO; daughter: Patricia "Tricia" Conley and husband Chris of Salem, MO; brother: William Seelke of Texas; sister: Linda Fikes of Texas; grandchildren: Kendra Satterly and husband Turk of Defiance, MO, Ryan Seelke and wife Jessica of Rolla, MO, Tucker Conley of Columbia, MO, and Ty Conley and fiancé Kaitlyn Cook of Rolla, MO; great-grandchildren: Jonah, Anna, Gabriel, Noah, Arabella, Oliver, and Harper; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death, his parents: Frank and Ruby Seelke; infant brother; sisters: Doris, Peggy, and Louise; and brothers: Gene and Earl. Don will be remembered for his big smile and contagious laugh. He was fun to be around and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for Donald “Don” Ray Seelke were held Friday, November 12, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Phil Newcom officiating and Pastor David Hancock bringing the special music. Serving as Pallbearers were Tucker Conley, Ty Conley, Ryan Seelke, Chris Welch, Tom Welch, and Clifford Parker. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Welch, William Seelke, Mark Hill, Bryon Medley, Dee Jesson, Turk Satterly, Jonah Satterly, Gabriel Satterly, Noah Satterly, and Oliver Seelke. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Military Honors was provided by the American Legion Post 99 and Missouri Honors Team. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Donald "Don" Ray Seelke

October 30, 1933 - November 8, 2021