Milton “Pete” Lee Seward Jr.
Posted By Marlan Gary On January 31, 2019 @ 8:35 pm In Obituaries | 18 Comments
Milton Lee “Pete” Seward, Jr., was born on May 4, 1954 in Columbus, Ohio to Anna Jean Jones and Milton Lee Seward, Sr. Milton (affectionately called Pete) was a proud 1972 graduate of Linden McKinley High School. He began his lifelong passion of boxing in 1968 under the legendary coach Mr. Bill Cummings at the Mock Road Ohio Youth Commission Gym (OYC). Pete competed as an amateur boxer for nearly 8 years and was known locally as an Ohio State Fair Boxing Legend, winning countless bouts and competing in several national boxing matches across the United States. Most notable of those was the 1973 85th National Amateur Athletic Union Boxing Championships where Pete battled in the ring against Sugar Ray Leonard in the 139-pound division, only to give up the match by unanimous decision. The 1975 National AAU Light Welterweight re-match between Seward and Leonard yielded the same results, a Leonard victory by points.
Team USA.org lists Milton “Pete” Seward as the 1976 139-pound U.S. Men’s Champion! It wasn’t long after this designation that our Champion embarked on his long illustrious career as a professional boxer, competing in the 147- pound welterweight division. Milton “Pistol Pete” Seward as he was sometimes called, had a record of 24/17/1. His professional career as a boxer took Pete across the United States and abroad, in 1981 he fought on the WBC undercard of the Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick fight at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Both his amateur and professional boxing circle included the likes of Hilmer Kenty, Richard Rozelle, Forrest Winchester, Jerry Page, James Buster Douglas, Mike Bradley, Steve and Chuck Gregory, Tommy Ayres, and Vonzell Johnson just to name a few. It’s reported that as a Pro Boxer, our Welterweight Champ, Milton Seward fought in 42 bouts resulting in 267 rounds. Not only was Pete a legend in the boxing community, he was also a coach to countless young aspiring boxers across the state and beyond. Boxing was Pete’s life, he used his love for the sport as a positive influence over the young men and their families he interacted with daily. Annually, Dwight Hughes hosts a celebration of the Columbus Boxing Legends at Barack Recreation Center, and this year, on February 16, 2019, Milton Lee “Pete” Seward will be one of the Columbus legends being honored.
One of Pete’s greatest joys was making people laugh by telling jokes and awing them with his card tricks, and no one could beat him at ping pong, dominos and playing cards, at least HE thought so. Milton spent countless hours interacting in the community, he loved playing catch with the neighborhood kids and taking long walks. Pete transitioned this earthly life on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Lee Seward, Sr., and Anna Jean Jones along with his sister, Jerry J Helms. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children; Tywana (Tony) Corley, Lynwana Seward-Avery, Monte (Tamika) Pryor, Marcus Pryor, Milton Seward III, Catherine Palmer, Elijah Seward, and Isaiah Seward; sisters, Karen A. Jones and Kimberly G. Byrd; brother, James G. Jones; Aunt, Mrs. Bernice Bugg; Dear Friend, Vonzell Johnson; several grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.
Milton “Pete” Lee Seward Jr., age 64. Sunrise May 4, 1954 and Sunset January 29, 2019.
Visitation 6:00pm and Funeral 7:00pm Friday, February 8, 2019 at Rehoboth Temple. 1111 E. Long St.
Condolences for the family of “Milton “Pete” Lee Seward Jr.”
My deepest condolences to the Edward’s family for your recent passing of Milton.God is a refuge for us in times of distress.
As a proud member of the Linden McKinley Panthers, I wish to offer my most sincere condolences concerning the loss of Pete. He was always very charming and had a dazzling smile to it set off!! He’ll never be forgotten and will be forever LOVED.
To the Seward family. My heart is with you and your family at this time of your loss. There is comfort in knowing God’s promises about the resurrection hope. (Acts 24:15) and (John 5:28,29) In the past God has resurrected humans and He is eager to do it again because He hates death. (Mark 5:41-43) To learn more about God’s promises go to JW.ORG. There are online Bible study lessons featured and more. Love Your Neighbor Irish J. Richardson.
Hey Pete I remember your mother used to say she would cook you some steaks when you were training and doing a boxing match and that you thought the steaks were some good cuts of beef but Anna Jean said. that the steaks were nothing but pork I always remember her saying that!
Matthew 6:1-34 Cousin Judith Arlene Johnson Washington-Harrington, Columbus, Ohio.
To Pete’s family, We were so very sorry to hear about the loss of our Panther Brother. We remember Pete fondly. May you find peace during this difficult time.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Pete’s family. He will be fondly remembered as being one of the greatest amateur boxers in Columbus history and I was fortunate to have personally witnessed virtually his entire amateur career. I first met Pete in 1972 as a member of the Invitational Boxing Club (IBC) gym on the Ohio State fairgrounds. Our coach was Bill Cummings Jr., founder of the legendary Ohio State Fair National Amateur Boxing Championship Tournament. Jerry Page, Darin Allen, Forest Winchester, Richard Rozelle, and Hilmer James Kenty as well as myself all benefited from Pete’s deep wisdom and leadership.
My prayers for the family. Pete was a friend and Will be remembered for his jovial spirit. Until we meet again my brother.
A great man. We will miss you. Praying for the family. God Bless him. RIH.
Pete a great boxer and dear friend who trained me some years ago. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. Rest in peace my dear brother. I will never forget you!
Pete, a great boxer and friend who trained me back in the day. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. Rest in peace my dear friend, I will never forget you!
Pete was my first love and has a place in my heart. God’s timing is perfect and Pete is healed with Jesus now. My condolences go to Pete’s family and friends and pray peace and comfort during this difficult time. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
My heart is saddened and I sent my prayers and condolences to the family. He will be missed.
To the family of our beloved Pete, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Pete was more than a good friend and his absence will forever be felt deep in our hearts. Love from Jerry Page and sisters.
To the Seward Family:
I had the pleasure of knowing Pete since we were at Linmoor (Middle) School together, and in following his boxing career. He was always a kind, gentle and extremely bright man, and was a pleasure to be around. He will be missed, and my condolences and prayers are extended to you in this time of your loss.
Being my first coach in 1975, Pete was like a big brother. Pete set the example for many, he was just as hard of a worker outside the boxing ring, as he was in it. My deepest condolences to Pete’s family. PETE, I’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!
It’s been years since I’ve seen Pete. However, the impression he made on me as a youngster i.e.; the Black Falcon, Baron Cologne, the epitome of “COOL”, and giving my brother and I some boxing lessons has been everlasting.
Till this day, I still wear Baron to pay homage. Periodically, I’ll check the net to see if there are any updates referencing amateur Columbus, OH. boxers. I was truly saddened in reading Pete has transcended his earthly journey, but rejoice in knowing he’s in the ring of rings were there is no ten count toll.
To his family and friends you have my sincerest condolences.
I will you my friend I still remember the day in October 1968 after school when Hilmer and Forest and yourself along with myself walk into Windsor boxing gym and start are boxing career.. The four of us fought on the USA team again Canada along with venezuelan along with bouts in Cleveland and Toledo and Cincinnati.. We all are proud IBC / Oyc boxers rest in peace my friend.
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We would like to extend our condolences to the family. May the support of family and friends be a source of strength and the God of comfort a refuge in your time of need. Thoughts of peace