Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Ora William Seal, 90, passed away Friday, April 3, 2015, at Hawks Ridge Assisted Living Community in Hood River, Ore. He was born May 23, 1924, in Syracuse, Kansas, to William and Ruth (Boughton) Seal. His siblings were Kenneth, Reva, Earl, Roy and Ubert, with Ora being the eldest.
He grew up in Fruita, Colo., and graduated from Union High School. He joined the Army in August of 1942; he came home in 1943 to marry his high school sweetheart, Verda May Oxford. They had two sons, William L. Seal, born in 1946, and Kim A. Seal, born in 1953.
Ora continued his education in radio and communications throughout his career with the military. After his first enlistment from 1942-1944, Ora tried his hand at radio repair, taxi driving and working as a ranch hand in Wisconsin to Oregon and back to Colorado before re-enlisting in the United States Air Force and serving his country proudly for the next 22 years.
He served during World War II, Korea/China Burma, where he was shot down and walked back through enemy lines for 8 miles, having lost the hearing in one ear, as well as during the Cuban and Vietnam conflicts. Decorations he had were the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Good Conduct for both the Army and Air Force, American Campaign Medals, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with four battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal/ Germany, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four clusters, U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Officers Senior Academy Ribbon, Air Force Commendation Medal, and even a China Memorial Medal given by the Governor of China thanking the men who fought for them.
Ora retired from military service in 1966 and moved to Hood River with his family. He used his military communications training and was employed by Sprint United Telephone Company until his retirement in 1986.
He is survived by his youngest brother, Ubert; his two sons, William Seal and his wife, Theresa, and Kim Seal and his wife, Sigi; grandchildren Simeon, Samuel, Amaris and Daniel; and great-grandchildren Addison, Samuel II, Aubrielle and Xavier.
Ora was preceded in death by his wife, Verda; brothers Kenneth, Earl and Roy, and a sister, Reva, who passed away only three weeks ago.
Ora’s family will honor him with private family services, military rites with graveside committal at Mountain View Cemetery.
A special thank you to Heart of Hospice and all of the staff at Hawks Ridge who cared and loved Ora.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.
To plant a tree in memory of Ora Seal as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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