Eugene J. Seats, 73, retired Captain of the Fire Department and Deputy Director of Public Safety of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital – St. Joseph, MI.
Eugene was born on May 10, 1950 in Cedar Grove, TN to Deacon Floyd and Mother Bertha Seats. He was a passionate and dedicated member of the community, attended Benton Harbor Area Schools, graduated from Benton Harbor High School with the mighty class of 1968, and went on to attend Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. In 1994, Eugene married his wife, Hattie Denise, and they enjoyed 29 years of marriage.
Eugene retired as Captain of the Benton Harbor Fire Department after 33 years of service, and then continued with the city as the Deputy Director of Public Safety for two years. He then joined the Security Department at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital – St. Joseph, MI for 11 years.
Eugene was a member of the Abundant Life Church of God In Christ, serving as a Deacon under the leadership of his brother, Elder Duane Seats, Sr. (until his passing), and his nephew, Superintendent, Duane Seats, Jr. He was also a former Board Member of the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Eugene enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, playing chess, watching movies, and was an avid fan of the NBA and the Golden State Warriors.
Eugene was a heroic man – not just in the community – but to his family, and will be remembered for being self-less, humble, kind, and committed to caring for everyone around him.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Hattie Denise; his daughters, Nikola Cross of Indianapolis, IN, Shontielle (Tobias) Pagel of Chicago, IL, and Geena (Miles) Seats-Pearson of Alexandria, VA; one sister, Barbara Seats-Hall of Grand Rapids, MI; one brother Dwight (Veronica) Seats of Benton Harbor, MI; five grandchildren, Trinerty, Ezekiel, Kindred, Axel, and Miles Jr; nieces and nephews Nicole (Lance) Norman, Duane Jr (Lana) Seats, Ericka Williams, Detra Whatley, Danica Whatley-Spencer, Kem (Nikki) Whatley, Brandon Whitmore, Jasmine Ewell, K’Neesha Pullian, Gabrielle (LaToya) McGhee-Acker, Anthony McGhee Jr, Julie McGhee, and a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents Deacon Floyd and Mother Bertha Seats and his brother, Elder Duane Seats, Sr.
The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, at Refreshing Fountains Church of God In Christ, 175 S. Euclid in Benton Harbor, MI. Services in celebration of his life will follow at 10:30 a.m.
Interment immediately following the service will be at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma, MI.
Memorials may be made to the Benton Harbor High School Alumni Fund. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Township, MI. Condolences and words of encouragement can be shared at www.florin.net.
Upcoming Events
Visitation
DEC 30. 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM (ET)
Refreshing Fountain Church of God in Christ
175 S. Euclid
Benton Harbor, MI
Visitation begins.
Service Celebrating His Life
DEC 30. 10:30 AM (ET)
Refreshing Fountain Church of God in Christ
175 S. Euclid
Benton Harbor, MI
Service Celebrating His Life begins.
Burial
DEC 30. 1:00 PM (ET)
North Shore Memory Gardens
5027 M 63 N
Coloma, MI 49038
Burial begins.
Cemetery Details
North Shore Memory Gardens
5027 M 63 N
Coloma, MI 49038
Posted On: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 12:00 PM
