Joseph Seward

Joseph Delton Seward, 86, Bella Vista, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at Concordia Care Center in Bella Vista. He was born in Excelsior Springs, Mo., on April 1, 1926, to Raymond and Etta Marie (Johnson) Seward. Joseph served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. After the Navy, he attended the Kansas City Art Institute and was an accomplished artist. He retired from the Kansas City Southern Railway after 39 years and was a home builder (64 houses) in the Kansas City area. He was a master carpenter and an avid golfer, having shot three holes in one, and participated in numerous tournaments around the country. Upon final retirement he and his wife, Betty, moved to the Bella Vista area in 2005. Joseph leaves his wife, Betty Ann (nee Allegree); three sons, Kevin, Michael and Craig and their wives; five stepchildren, William, Donald, Ronald and Bobby Traylor, and Joni Lynn Anderson; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held in Kansas City at a later date. Suggested memorials to the Bella Vista Baptist Church, 50 East Lancashire, Bella Vista, AR 72714. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful care given Joe by the staff at Concordia Care Center and Circle Of Life Hospice Team during his final days here. It meant so much to us. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.