Charles Palmer Seawood

Charles “Chuck” Palmer Seawood - a devoted father, teacher, coach, storyteller, and lifelong friend - passed away on June 22, 2026, at the age of 83.

If you ever found yourself in a conversation that took the long, scenic route - carefully observing every sign, yielding when necessary, and occasionally circling back for emphasis - you likely had the pleasure of knowing Chuck. He believed no good story should be rushed, and like any good driver’s ed instructor, he made sure you understood the lesson before moving on.

Born in New Hyde Park, New York, to Charles and Agnes Seawood, Chuck grew up on Long Island where he developed a lifelong love of sports and learning. A standout pole vaulter in high school, he went on to compete at Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University), contributing to an NAIA national championship track and field team. Years later, he was inducted into the Emporia State Track and Field Hall of Fame - proof that once Chuck picked a lane, he stayed on course. He completed his education at the University of Central Missouri. He earned degrees in Driver’s Education and Industrial Arts - fitting for a man who spent his life teaching others how to navigate both the road and life itself.

Chuck spent 40 years as a high school teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District. To his students, he wasn’t just the guy with the brake on the passenger side - he was a steady hand, a patient voice, and sometimes the one reminding them to ease off the gas and think things through. As a coach in track and field and boys’ soccer, he instilled discipline, teamwork, and just enough competitive edge to push his athletes forward. One of his proudest milestones was coaching a Kansas 6A State Championship soccer team, though he was quick to point out that character - not trophies - was the real destination.

At home, Chuck was both navigator and co-pilot. He filled his children’s lives with fishing trips, canoe adventures, camping excursions, and cross-country road trips that somehow always turned into life lessons. He taught by example - encouraging curiosity, resilience, and the importance of enjoying the ride, even when you hit a few detours.

Chuck was known for his generosity, his offbeat humor, and his unmistakable New York pronunciation of “water” - a habit that never quite merged into the Midwest after 65 years. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, as if there were no strangers - just people he hadn’t given directions to yet. His friendships lasted a lifetime, including one that began at age five and continued right up to his final day.

He enjoyed woodworking, crafting homemade Christmas gifts for his children and grandchildren, and now and then, pulling a slot machine handle, proving he didn’t mind taking the occasional chance after a lifetime of teaching caution.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Agnes Seawood, and his sisters, Jean Loeffler and Edith Ohlau. He is survived by his sister, Linda Schneider; his loving partner, Mary Carter; his son Chuck, daughter-in-law Denise; son Mike, his grandchildren, Hunter, Spencer, Gavin, McKayla, Payten, Amanda, and Nick; his great-grandchildren, Henry, Tucker, Aiden, Huntley, Charlotte, and Parker.

Chuck Seawood lived a full and meaningful life - one where he helped thousands of others find their direction. And if there’s one final lesson he’d leave behind, it might be this: keep your hands at ten and two, watch the road ahead, occasionally check your rearview mirror, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey…even if it takes a few extra miles to get there.