Kenneth A. Seybold

Kenneth Alan Seybold (you might know him as Santa), 67, born July 7, 1948, has entered into eternal life Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016. This is not an obituary noting someone's courageous battle with death, Ken would want it known that he died of being stubborn; refusing to follow all doctors' orders and raising hell for more than five decades. He thoroughly enjoyed guns, cars, booze, smoking and flirting with women almost until the day he died. His spirit is carried on by his biggest fan and true soul mate of almost 47 years, Carol Ann (Danko) Seybold; and their only pride and joy: daughter, Amy Marie Rau and husband, Robert N., of Latrobe. He taught her to shoot - be a damn good shot, to love nature and respect it, and to just be thankful. He will always be Amy's hero! Kenny was killed when he rushed into a burning orphanage to save a group of adorable children. Or maybe not. We all know how he loved to tell stories, and you could be sure that 50 percent of every story was true - you just never knew which 50 percent. But everyone who knew him understood that while he may have embellished a story, he was an honest and trustworthy man. He loved his dog, Buddy, competitive target shooting, air in his hair, errr beard - whether on a quad or a motorcycle, and Country music. He hated liars, hypocrites and phonies, not necessarily in that order. He was just as happy playing Santa, making everyone feel appreciated, or shooting his .45. After graduating from Latrobe High School in 1966, he enlisted as a Seabee in the Navy to serve in Vietnam. He was still keeping in touch with his brothers, Archie Henriques and Dan Miller, ever since his honorable discharge in 1970. He was a member of multiple clubs and organizations including: the NRA, McKeesport Sportsmen's, First Ward Fireman's, the White Eagles, the FOE Eagles, Lloydsville Fireman's, the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society, St. Joe's Social Club, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and was a volunteer for the Soldier's Angels. Ken converted from the Latrobe United Methodist Church to join Holy Family Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister for many years. He was very active in Marriage Encounter for more than two decades with Carol; making their good marriage even better. Always a do-er: working, shoveling snow, Nicolazzo's Gas Station, Nicholas Bakery, Harry's Pizza, WQTW Radio, Sam Liberto Ford, Family Finance, Montgomery Ward, Westmoreland Plastics, Outdoor Specialist, Hunter's Hideaway. He even went to Morehead, Ky., to help Amy run Sportsman's Paradise before returning home to his last job at A&S Pistol Range. In addition to shooting and purchasing way too many vehicles to count, his favorite hobby of all was playing Santa Claus. If you ever had the opportunity to see him with the children, you would witness the sparkle in their eyes as they truly believed that he was the real Chris Kringle. A dear family friend told us how the children loved Santa Ken and what a wonderful way he had with all of the kiddies. He actually made them believe! Those who experienced his "magick" will be able to look up to the sky every Christmas and see him again if only for a moment. In addition to leaving behind his two girls and Rob, he was survived by his sister in Latrobe, Sandra Hubert and her partner, Jack Pyle, and her three children, Samuel E. Davis, of Florida, Scott Allshouse, of Latrobe, and Nicole Shurina and her husband, Dave, and their children, Tanner and Natalie, in Irwin; as well as really great friends that are far too numerous to list but not overlooked or forgotten. He was preceded in death by both parents, Oliver and Margaret (Jackson) Seybold; and his in-laws, Helen (Danko) and James Maggiore. In true Seybold fashion, this is not "Goodbye," just simply a "See You Later." Sweetheart, Dad, Friend, Brother, we say, "See Ya. Love Ya. Bye." Visitation from 2 to 6 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650. A funeral Liturgy will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at the funeral home, with Father William McGuirk officiating. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Latrobe. The rosary will be recited by the Holy Name Society at 2 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. FOE 01188 will conduct a service at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted at 12:45 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home by the Latrobe-Derry Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, Ken would hope that you will please do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some poor unfortunate soul in his name. Finally, the family asks that in honor of the Big Guy that you write a letter to your congressman and ask for support of the Second Amendment! He may be gone, but he will remain in some way with everyone who knew him. To send an online condolence, please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.