Richard Nielsen Seals passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 25, 2017, at the age of 87.

He was raised on Jefferson Street in the Bogalusa Terrace. Richard graduated from Bogalusa High School and Sullivan Vocational School. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a crew chief on a P47 from 1949 to 1952. After his service in the Air Force, he returned to Bogalusa and married the love of his life, Clara S. Kennedy Seals. They were married for 57 years when Clara preceded him in death in 2012.

Richard was a faithful member of Highland Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for over 40 years. He was a salesman for the Russell Wholesale Company. Later he and Clara owned and operated Danny’s Fried Chicken for 20 years until he retired. Richard was a faithful member of Center Lodge 244 of Bogalusa. He became a Mason in 1959 and was an active member.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary Nielsen Seals; his adored little sister, Ann Marie Seals Strahan; and his beloved wife, Clara Kennedy Seals.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol “Fran” Seals Nevers and Ben W. “Benjie” Nevers Jr.; grandchildren, Callie Nevers Lee, Seth P. Lee, and Benjamin Thomas Lee Nevers; great-grandchildren, Porter Nielsen Lee, Kennedy Elizabeth Lee, and Prentis Paul Lee; and his nephew and best friend, John Sumrall Jr.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Services were held at Highland Baptist Church on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to the funeral service at 3 p.m., with Bro. Ronnie Chaisson officiating. Masonic rites were held at 1 p.m. Interment followed at Ponemah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Northshore Enduring Hope at 74403 Peg Kellar Road, Abita Springs, LA 70420, or to a charity of your choice.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.