Gerald W. "Jerry" Seabaugh

Gerald W. “Jerry” Seabaugh, 74, of Highland, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL, surrounded by family.

Jerry was born on December 11, 1951, in St. Charles, MO, to Loyd and Helen (nee Thomason) Seabaugh and grew up in Hazelwood, MO where he enjoyed adventures in the woods around his home. He attended Southwest Baptism College in Bolivar, MO where he met and married Linda, the love of his life on August 12, 1972. Called into the pastoral ministry, he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and was ordained on October 5, 1975. Jerry and Linda welcomed their favorite son, David just following their seminary years. Jerry’s first church was Brownstown Baptist Church in Brownstown, IN where they welcomed their favorite daughter, Teresa. Jerry also served three churches all named First Baptist, in Nokomis, IL, Camanche, IA and Macomb, IL. While in Macomb, Jerry earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jerry’s dream of becoming an Area Minister came true in the Central Region of Kansas where he served for nearly 14 years. Upon retirement, due to Parkinson’s disease, he and Linda moved to Highland, IL.

Jerry loved life and lived it to the fullest. A fierce competitor, he ran track and wrestled in High School. In his adult years, he excelled in softball and bowling among other sports. Even in his later years, he hated to lose the Wii bowling matches with Linda and his family. Jerry was an outdoor sportsman as well. He cherished his yearly family fishing trips and held the family record for the largest trout which hung proudly on his wall. Jerry brought home the venison as often as he could and displayed the antlers of two large bucks alongside his prize fish.

Jerry had a passion for telling people about Jesus. Many people accepted Jesus as their savior and were baptized due to his ministry. Jerry was an expert conflict manager which allowed him to guide his churches toward unity and mission. As an Area Minister he was the pastor for the pastors, building deep relationships and working behind the scenes so that all of the churches might glorify God in their ministries.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Helen Seabaugh; and brother-in-law, Paul Brown.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Seabaugh, Highland, IL; children, David (Ruth) Seabaugh, Elmhurst, IL, and Teresa (Timothy) Toolen, Waterloo, IL; grandchildren, Josiah (Kayla) Seabaugh, Daniel Seabaugh, Elijah Seabaugh, Samuel Seabaugh, and Thomas Toolen; siblings, Carol Brown, Alan (Shirley) Seabaugh, and Darrel (Jacqueline) Seabaugh; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Highland First Baptist Church Missions.

Memorial Visitation: Monday, July 13, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at First Baptist Church of Highland, Highland, IL

Memorial Service: Monday, July 13, 2026, 11:00 am, at First Baptist Church of Highland, Highland, IL

Clergy: Pastor Cody Knapik

Interment: Monday, July 13, 2026, 1:30 pm, at Highland City Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL