Colonel Arthur Dean Seely, USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2026, leaving a profound legacy of distinguished military service, deep faith, and enduring devotion to his family.
Born in Dodge City, Kansas, in 1931, Art was the son of the late Arthur John Seely and Emma Jo Stewart Seely. He graduated from high school in Plains, Kansas, and attended the University of Wichita, where he played basketball. Choosing to shape his own path at the height of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to become a pilot – a bold career choice for a man who was, ironically, famously afraid of heights. Overcoming his aversion to the sky, he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant and served as an B-26 pilot in Korea in August 1954. Throughout his dedicated 28-year military career, Art also completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Omaha and later earned his master’s degree.
Art rose to the rank of Colonel, serving honorably as a Wing Commander and logging over 5,800 flying hours across 8-26, KC-135, C-130, C-47, and C-123 aircraft. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he flew KC-135 refueling planes and C-130 transport aircraft during the Vietnam conflict. His leadership and assignments took him across the globe, including Germany, France, and Okinawa. Notably, toward the end of the Vietnam War, he successfully landed a transport plane carrying vital munitions into a darkened Saigon airport under Viet Cong siege, guided safely to the runway by the headlights of lined-up Army trucks. He received many of the Air Force’s highest service medals and commendations for his valor.
While stationed in Florida in 1955, a blind date led him to the love of his life, Calvalene Evans. They married on May 5, 1956, at the Hackleburg Church of Christ, sharing 68 years of a true love story until her passing on June 17, 2024. Together, they traveled the world and raised three children, living in 18 different locations before settling in Hamilton, Alabama, for 40 years, where they were devoted members of the Hamilton Church of Christ. In March 2020, they relocated to Huntsville to be closer to their family and proudly placed their membership with the Mayfair Church of Christ. Art was a very quiet but incredibly witty man, known for his trademark dry sense of humor. Though a man of few words, he chose them carefully; whenever he did speak, he had a brilliant knack for drawing bursts of laughter from the room-a talent that routinely earned him a fond, light scolding from his loving wife, Calvalene. Beyond his sharp wit, Art was a deeply kind, gentle, and loving man. He was absolutely adored by his family, to whom he gave his whole heart, and his warm presence will be immeasurably missed.
Art is reunited in faith with his parents, his beloved wife Calvalene, his brother Gene Stewart Seely, and his sister-in-law Arline Seely. He is survived by his son, Arthur Dean Seely, Jr. (Debi); his daughters, Sharon Seely Novo and Kimberly Seely Butler; grandchildren, Brandi Williams (Jonathan), Amber Farrulla (Dakota), Lauren Novo, Kristen Schettino (Nathan), Kylie Oys (Austin), Hunter Butler, and Alec Butler (Madison); as well as his five great-grandchildren; and extended family.
Visitation will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. The funeral will follow at the church with Keith Hodges officiating. A graveside service with honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 25, at Cedar Tree Cemetery in Hackleburg, Alabama.
