"This getting old is not for the weak," Millard Francis Seaman often said as he neared the end. Peacefully passing to heaven on the morning of January 20, 2014, Mill stayed strong throughout his 87 years.

His faithful wife, Carole Joyce (Tulga) Seaman appreciated his strength and returned his affection. Mill felt the secret to their loving marriage of 64 years is that one person always had to be unselfish.

Their union was blessed with six children. Tim, Terie (Beasley), Ted, Tom, Todd, and Tal. Mill often told people with a laugh that, "we have a T party at our house."

Millard learned strength from his father, Millard Phillip Seaman, who taught him to never give up. His mother, Clara Mae (Ruckle) Seaman taught him, "We need not worry. God can be trusted." Mill was born in Onida, South Dakota, on May 7, 1926. He was the second oldest of five boys, Edward, Leonard, Maynard, and Richard "Dick," and one younger sister, Claribel, "Clik" Seaman Stahl.

Growing up on a ranch, Mill learned to work hard and always to do his best. After attending Onida High School, he served in the Navy in World War II and was stationed at Pearl Harbor after the attack. As a result he used his GI bill and attended Wheaton College where he found his ministry. His vision of a Christian boarding high school on the prairies found footing in Miller, South Dakota, where he was instrumental in founding Sunshine Bible Academy. He became a teacher, principal and superintendent of the school.

He touched more lives serving in Christian schools in both Kansas and New York, but his heart was always at SBA. After becoming an ordained minister he pastored and served as chaplain for the Custer Youth Corrections Center and was state chairman of the Prison Fellowship Ministry Advisory Board.

For 11 years Mill and his wife, Carole, were owners of Custer Mansion Bed and Breakfast. He often multi-tasked and even authored the book, "Gumbo, Gumption, and God."

"Kids are my life," he was often heard to say. His five remaining children and his 18 grandchildren concur: Deidra Bartholomew, Derik Lewis, Dustin Seaman, Shiloh Hewitt, Melissa Seaman, Montgomery Seaman, Moriah Seaman, Jessie Madden, Stephanie Seaman, Chris Johns, Callie Seaman, Ricky Seaman, Tim Seaman, Phillip Seaman, Jake Seaman, Daniel Seaman, Stacey Seaman,Renee Seaman and 14 great grandchildren all dearly loved their grandfather, Mill.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday at 1:00

P. M. at First Wesleyan Church in Sturgis. Visitation is Thursday from noon to 8 with the family in attendance from 5 - 7. Those considering sending flowers, may, if they wish, contribute to a memorial established at Sunshine Bible Academy.