Arthur Wayne “Art” Seaman, age 83, a lifelong resident of Shelby, died Sunday, February 22, 2026 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. His death follows a brief and unexpected illness.
Art was born April 16, 1942 in Shelby, the only son of Elmer W. and Gertrude W. (Stevens) Seaman. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1960. Art was a hardworking and dedicated member of the Shelby community throughout his life. He was a longtime yard foreman for Wickes Lumber in Shelby and also worked for Carton Service. Later in his career, he was employed by Pioneer Career and Technology Center. He took pride in his work and truly was a guy who could fix anything.
A farmer at heart, Art loved farming and farm life. He helped farm for the Bricker and Myers families and found great joy in being connected to the land and agricultural community. While in school, he was active in FFA and remained a loyal and longtime supporter of the program throughout his life. He was a member of Buckeye Iron Will and had a deep love for the Richland County Fair. He was incredibly involved in activities in the Red Barn at the fair, where he spent countless hours supporting youth and agricultural programs. The fair was one of his favorite times of the year, and he rarely missed the opportunity to be there.
Incredibly social and active, Art was known for his friendly nature and outgoing personality. He loved to bend your ear and was quite the jokester. He truly never met a stranger, always able to find common ground and strike up a conversation. A friendship he cherished was one with Harley E. Warrick, the man well known for his talent in painting the Mail Pouch Tobacco advertising on barns across many states. He deeply loved his neighbors, who were not only close friends but, in many cases, like family, taking care of each other as such. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Art is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Michelle and James Bryson of Pine Knoll Shores, NC; granddaughters: Kathryn “Katie” Bryson (James Peden) and Margaret “Maggie” Bryson; sisters: Eltrude “Trudy” Bodkin of State College, PA and Pam (Greg) Davis of Columbus; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends, including a special friend, Joan Swander, and his beloved neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Myrna Sue (Knee) Seaman, whom he wed on September 6, 1972; his parents; and his sister and brothers-in-law: Sara and Tom Laser and Joe Bodkin.
Art is being buried privately at Oakland Cemetery in Shelby with his beloved wife, Myrna. A time of gathering and storytelling, just like Art would like, will take place in the Spring of 2026 with details to be announced at a later time. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby FFA program.
Care for Art and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on their website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or Facebook page.
Our deepest sympathy to you. Art was one of a kind and a very special man. He will be missed by all of us that enjoyed his stories. He was a kind and loving man and we truly enjoyed being in his company.
Art was a good hard working man! Was a great neighbor and friend! Many long conversations in front of his homestead! Sure will miss our catching up! Rest in peace my friend God Bless
I had the privilege of working with Art at Pioneer. A truly kind man.
So sad to read this. What a wonderful man and a friend to everyone!! May god’s blessings be with all of his family!!
To Pam, Trudy and family I’m sorry to hear of Art’s passing. I remember he bought my parents home when we moved to Glenwood Dr in the 60’s.
Michelle and James, Richard and I are so sorry for loss.
Art was a kind man and will be missed…
We have many fond memories of Art, Myrna & family as good friends and neighbors. Mike & Art had a good laugh when they decided to experiment with liquid fertilizer on Art’s back yard as it didn’t turn out as expected! Our sympathy to all of Art’s family.
I worked in one of the offices at Pioneer and Art would stop by to chat. So sorry to hear of his passing. My husband also was fortunate to know Art and to exchange stories. May you cherish what a good man he was.
Condolences to the Seaman family. May all your cherished memories carry you through these difficult times.
Our Deepest condolences to the Seaman family. So sad to hear of your loss. Art was a great man He would help anyone. Prayers for the days ahead for his family
Pam, may precious memories bring your family and friends some comfort.
We have known Art and Myrna for many years along with some of their family. Our deepest sympathy to the families. Gods blessings
I knew Art when I worked at Pioneer. He was such a sweet man! I am sorry for your loss!
Art was a great guy he will be missed for sure, I had the privilege of working with Art back in the wickes lumber days and of course on the Myers farm
michelle and family i am so so sorry for your loss. i liked working with art he will be missed
My deepest condolences.
Sorry to hear of Art’s passing. He was a kind, caring man who loved to visit whenever we would run into him! He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Art’s passing. I worked at Pioneer with Art. One of my best memories is when Art invited me to go with him to visit Harley Warrick. What a loss
alot of memories great friend work with him at pioneer second shift even his daughter worked with us during the summer and have a lot of mail pouch item as well got a lot great pies from his lovely wife and mother great times together he was a great man someone to be proud of
One of the best parts of my day was running into him at PCTC and getting to chat. He was full of knowledge, wisdom, wit, and always had a smile on his face. Even after he retired, he’d stop by our house just to catch up. When the tornado wrecked our home, he showed up countless times to help us clean up the yard. After we moved back, he’d check in on us now and then. One very fond memory I have of him for many years ago, once he had a yard sale, and we stopped by. He tried to sell me everything out there, with a story about why I needed each item.
I was Art’s supervisor during my time at Pioneer, approximately 10 years. As I read the description of his life I
believe the qualities and characteristics described above are
everything I saw in him . He in many ways was more of a friend/ associate than an employee, always dedicated to being true to those who had the opportunity to know him. My condolences to his family. His presence will be surely missed.
Art was such a special guy and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Mom always would have me put sympathies to families as she never used a computer. So here I am giving you all condolences to our neighbor’s families . May you never forget Art and all he gave others!
Michelle and family our deepest sympathy. I have known Art since high school, he was a good friend. We have remained friends for many years. He helped me get a job at pioneer. RIP my friend.
So deeply sorrowed by his passing. Art and I were best friends through high school. I would love to attend his celebration of life.
I have good memories of working several summers with Art at PCTC. Art (and Myrna) were usually there at the jayvee basketball games while Michelle and I kept the bench warm, and entertained one another. I’m thankful to have known Art. My thoughts are with you all.
Art was a great mentor to me and others at Wickes Lumber. Unfortunately I moved away and haven’t seen him for years.