Paul Seagraves

Paul Seagraves

Paul Carl Seagraves was born June 30, 1929, in Elbert, W. Va. He was one of six children born to Curtis and Nancy (Owens) Seagraves. Paul grew up in West Virginia, where he received his formal education and then began working in the coal mines.

In the early 1950s, Paul enrolled in the International Bible College at Estevan, Saskatchewan, to study the ministry. While there he met Darlene Rae Whitson, a Havre native who was also attending Bible school. Paul and Darlene were married in Havre on July 26, 1951.

After Paul was ordained in 1952, he accepted his first pastorship at Harlowton, where they began raising their four sons. They spent the next 50 glorious years singing and preaching the scriptures throughout the United States, Haiti and Canada. In 1992 they returned to Havre to enjoy their retirement years.

Due to declining health, the Seagraves' moved to the Havre Care Center in 2009. Paul's wife, "Babe," died on Dec. 18, 2009. Paul remained in the Havre nursing facility, until his passing Friday, April 26, 2013, at age 83.

During his preaching years, Paul worked part-time as a carpenter. His leisure time was spent golfing and fishing. He loved the Lord and maintained a strong Christian faith throughout his life.

In addition to his wife and parents, Paul was preceded in death by an infant son, Daniel, two brothers, Jim and Leonard Seagraves, and a sister, Dorothy Booth.

He is survived by three sons, Don Seagraves of Havre, Dave (Debbie) Seagraves of Halstad, Kan., and Paul Seagraves of Gillette, Wyo.; three grandchildren, Danny, Dalena and Dwane; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Fred Seagraves of Corbin, Ky., and Ray Seagraves of Wooster, Ohio; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Paul was cremated per his wishes. His ashes with be buried with his wife, Darlene. Graveside services will be 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Highland Cemetery in Havre.

A reception will follow at Northern Montana Care Center chapel. Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester. Undesignated memorials will be given to the "Convoy of Hope" Missions in Haiti, care of the Havre Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 296, Havre, MT. 59501.