Robert Kenneth Seymour

Robert Kenneth Seymour, 74, of Westland, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2023.

Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 27, 1948 to Ann and Kenneth Seymour.
He was a graduate of Franklin High School and the University of Detroit, where he earned both bachelor’s and master's degrees in architecture. He went on to earn a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2001 and a doctorate of ministry degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminary in 2007.

Bob married Wanda Casebere on July 20,1997, at which time he embraced Wanda’s children, Jennifer and Bryan, into his life as if they were his own. Together, Bob and Wanda built a family that grew to include seven grandchildren and many beloved pets - all of whom loved and cherished their time with Grandma and Grandpa Seymour.

Along with Wanda, Bob is survived by Jennifer Penix and her children, Soraya, Sebastian and Sadie, and Bryan (Carrie) Casebere, and their children Paige and Finn Casebere, and Makayla and Emily Schade. Additionally, he is survived by an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with a wealth of cherished friends.

Bob worked as an architect for 35+ years. Some of his most noted projects included the renovation of countless Dunkin Donuts and the designing and building of his own home, which even included an archery range! Additionally, he was a member of the Livonia Historical Commission and was the architect for the Greenmead Historical Village.


In 1999, Bob answered a call to ministry and pursued his seminary education. He used his gifts of compassion, grace, and truly connecting with people as a pastoral counselor, particularly specializing in grief counseling. He founded Stillwaters Ecumenical Community Church, served in Stephen Ministry leadership at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and as a chaplain at St. Mary Mercy Hospital. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Director of Congregational Care at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church.

For many years Bob was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time in nature. Bob spent several years, along with many family members and friends, participating in reenacting through Revolutionary War Reenactors, First Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Kenneth.

The visitation will be Friday, February 10, 2023 from 3:00- 7:00 pm at Manns Family Funeral Home, 17000 Middlebelt Road, south of Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI, 48154. Additional visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life service, beginning at 11:00 am at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, 9601 Hubbard St., Livonia, MI 48150. For those unable to attend, you may view the service at: https://www.youtube.com/@rgpcfam/streams

Anyone who had the gift of knowing Bob would likely share a story of how he touched their spirit- whether through a punny joke, a quiet conversation, words of encouragement, or just the presence of his being.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests support of furthering Parkinson’s research at www.parkinsonsmi.org

Rest well, Bob. You are missed and forever loved. Well done, good and faithful Servant.