Jack Sebastian

Jack Sebastian of Farmington passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, December 9, 2011, at the age of 77 years. He was born in a log cabin on August 18, 1934, at Libertyville, son of the late Carl Glenwood and Glenda Faye (Mills) Sebastian. Jack Sebastian will be fondly remembered by many. He never knew a stranger. If you met him and visited more than a minute, you probably had already caught his contagious smile, gotten a hug, and knew you would be a friend for life. He was so easy to love because of the genuine way in which he drew you out. Jack's appetites were legendary. He loved good food; good friends; golf (good only), and good old-fashioned, sappy, country-western songs. He was a larger than life character with a vision for everything from his backyard to his city. He enjoyed all of God's creation, from city parks to his patio hammock. Above all, Jack loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his family. A graduate of Fredericktown High School where he was a football player, his love of sports never diminished. He was an avid supporter of area sports and could be seen at many Farmington sporting events. Fun-loving and compassionate, Jack played Santa for over 20 years at First State Community Bank and was always involved in the Christmas Parade. His ability to have a good time was certainly never a detractor from civic duty. In addition to being a 17-year member of the National Guard, Jack was instrumental in many area improvements. Among his extensive resume of achievements were his involvement at First State Community Bank beginning in 1967, where he served as president until 1994 and remained an active board member until 2009. He was a founding member of the Farmington Industrial Authority, Farmington Parks and Recreation committee, the Long Memorial Hall Restoration Committee, as well as many others. He was a member of the Downtown Development Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Missouri Bankers Association and the Lions Club. Jack was Treasurer for the Salvation Army, on the Advisory Board at the Presbyterian Home for Children and on the Board of Trustees at both Mineral Area College and Mineral Area Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his wife of nearly 55 years, Diane (Pierce) Sebastian; his four children, Laura (Mrs. Chris) Neale of Hermann; Scott Sebastian and his wife Robin of Bismarck; Matt Sebastian and his wife Cindy and Lynne Sebastian, all of Farmington; nine grandchildren, Anna (Mrs. Brian) Azevedo, Isaac Neale and fiance Anna Kicker, Alicia Sebastian, Alec Sebastian, Austin Dement, Mike, Jake and Max Burch and Stephanie Dehner; a great-grandson, Caelan Dehner; a sister, Joan Turnbeau of Springfield and a brother, Jerry Sebastian and wife Sue of Monett. Also surviving is his aunt, Eloise Berry and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call at New Heights Church, 4982 Flat River Road, Farmington, from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 12. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at New Heights Church with Pastor Rocky Good officiating. The eulogy will be presented by Mayor Mit Landrum. Interment with military honors will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the New Heights Church, American Cancer Society or American Lung Association. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory. Share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.