Paul Edward “Ned” Seymour was born January 29, 1944, in St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Missouri, to Paul and Louise (Burke) Seymour. He passed away at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Rock Port, Missouri, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with his wife, Judy, and daughter, Lori, at his side.
Ned grew up and worked on the family farm east of Tarkio, Missouri. He was expected to do chores every day and be a contributing member of the family. He attended York Presbyterian Church, just down the road from his home where he professed his faith. He attended elementary school at Elkdale near Fairfax and Morning Star, east of Tarkio. In high school, Ned was interested in math and science and was active in sports, lettering in football, basketball, and track. He went on to graduate Valedictorian of his class from Tarkio R-I in 1962 and then attended Northwest Missouri State University.
On June 14, 1964, Ned married Judith Houghton, his wife for almost 62 years. He always said that he was married his entire adult life. They welcomed one daughter to the family, Lori Denise. Over the years, Ned owned Seymour’s Phillips 66 Service, then was the parts man at Tarkio Truck and Tractor, sold insurance for Tarkio Valley Insurance Agency, and finished his career as a bookkeeper for Farmers and Valley Bank, which later became Farmers State Bank, retiring in 2010. He served his community through Tarkio Chamber of Commerce, Tarkio Lions Club, as a volunteer fireman for Tarkio Fire Department, a board member of Tarkio Golf Club, and a longtime member of the Tarkio Board of Public Works. He was especially proud of building a new water tower during his tenure and making improvements to upgrade the water system while maintaining fiscal integrity for the community.
As a young man he enjoyed playing Snooker, riding his Harley, and playing fast pitch softball. Then, he moved on to fishing and being on the water. Many happy weeks were spent on vacation at the family home on Lake of the Ozarks. In the fall, Ned loved hunting everything from frogs to pheasants and geese. When the golf course was built, he found a game that he loved almost more than any other. Although he considered himself late to the game age wise, he achieved a hole in one twice in Tarkio and was men’s club champion one year. Ned organized many tournaments, enjoyed playing couples golf with his wife, and encouraged his daughter to play. During summers, the family social life revolved around golf on the Tarkio course and other courses in the area. Ned was an avid supporter of the girls’ golf teams Judy coached. He was always supportive of school activities and willing to help out whether it be by driving a bus, helping sponsor a sock hop or going on senior trip, and was often found in the bleachers cheering on kids playing the sports he had loved while in high school. He was a great fan of the Chiefs and Mizzou.
Ned was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ford and Zeta Burke and Ed and Anna Seymour; his parents, Paul and Louise Seymour; his sister, Anne (Seymour) Will; and nephew, Eric Will. Survivors include his wife, Judith; his daughter, Lori; brother-in-law, Darwin (Georgia) Houghton; niece, LeAnne (Ted) Nash; nephew, Trevor (Mendy) Houghton; great-nephew, Mason; and great-nieces, Emma, Lilliana, and Ellie Houghton.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Tarkio, conducted by Pastor Tate Walker. Inurnment was at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to Tarkio Volunteer Fire Department. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.
