Smokey Joe Seely

Smokey Joe Seely, age 42, of Ridgway, IL. passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2008 from heart complications, while out hunting. Smokey was born in rural Shawneetown, IL (near the Ponds Settlement Community) to the late Tom and Ruth (Gordon) Seely. Smokey was married on June 15, 2005 to Mandy Jo (Lynch).

By trade Smokey was a carpenter, working many years in the area in home improvement and construction. He was self employed as a carpenter. Smokey was a true outdoorsman. His love for nature was always present. He was a very skillful fisherman, with some people saying he could catch a fish in a mudhole. He was a very knowledgeable hunter, with Coon Hunting one of his favorites. Smokey was a good person, with a big heart, as he always was giving away his game to people in need. Smokey was a good husband, father, brother and friend and will be greatly missed by the community.

He is survived by his Wife - Mandy Jo (Lynch) of Ridgway, Daughter - Morgan Jo Seely of Ridgway, Son - Kyler Seely of Omaha, Il, Brother - Phillip (Patty) Seely of Galatia, IL, Sister Lilly (Mike) Stokes of Norris City, IL his Father & Mother In Law Roy and Marlene Lynch of Ridgway, and Sister in Law Cathy Seely of Harrisburg, IL. 10 Nieces and Nephews and many Great Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Mark Seely and Nephew Christopher Seely.

Visitation for Smokey will be Friday, January 11, 2008 after 4 PM at the Cox and Son
Funeral Home in Ridgway. Funeral will be January 12, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Cox and Son Funeral Home. Rev. Bob Powell will officiate and burial will be in the Westwood Cemetery near Shawneetown.