Eric Seibel

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Eric H. Seibel died Monday, June 5, 2023.

He will be remembered for greeting everyone with "Good Morning!" no matter the time of day, his service to the community, mentoring demeanor, quick wit and easy laugh. He was a man of strong Christian faith, a devoted husband and father, and an inspiring music educator.

Born June 22, 1947, Eric was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, where he still worshiped. Eric was a faithful servant of the Lord. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School and Perryville High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Southeast Missouri State University, his graduate degree at Central Missouri State University and postgraduate studies at Truman State University.

Eric was a band director for 42 years, passionately serving at Perryville High School for the majority of his career. He taught at several schools in Missouri, most recently at United in Christ Lutheran School in Frohna, Missouri. His love of music and students was demonstrated through his high standards, endless patience and encouraging words to pursue their personal best in music and life. This was always accompanied with typical "dad" jokes and funny -- but slowly told — stories. He always wore a tie, had a pencil in his pocket and a random fact on the blackboard. Eric also served as the director for the Men's Choir at his church and turned pages for his wife as she played piano to accompany student soloists and choirs.

Traveling, reading maps and planning road trips were his other passions. As a young adult, he traveled solo throughout the United States and Canada on his motorcycle. Later, he planned vacations for his family, some with surprise locations. Eric was also a staff member of Missouri Ambassadors of Music, an organization that leads high school musicians on a tour of Europe while also performing concerts. He often collected postcards from his travels and encouraged others to send him postcards from their own adventures.

He was married 36 years to Janet Childress Seibel of Providence, Kentucky, and blessed with one daughter, Martha of Shanghai.

He is survived by three sisters, Kathryn (Doug) Gorthy of Silver City, New Mexico, Diane (Wade) Dowdy of Glen Allen, Missouri, and Joyce (Brian) Schweikert of West Harrison, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Seibel; mother, Madeline Muench; and stepfather, Walter Muench.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Ford and Young Funeral Home in Perryville.

The service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, with a brief visitation beginning at 8 a.m.

Memorials may be made to United in Christ Lutheran School, Perryville High School Band Department and Crown Hospice.