Melvin Joseph Seebode

Melvin J. Seebode 12/2/27 – 9/16/20

Mel was born in Baltimore to the son of Harry Seebode and Beatrice Rogge Seebode, brother to Eileen (Joseph) and Harry (Marge). 

Mel began a musical career at the age of 12 singing on the Giff-Ted Radio Program and at the Hippodrome stage show in Baltimore.  At 15, he joined “The Debonairs”, a local band, as a vocalist and began playing upright bass with the same orchestra through the early WWII years.  He was drafted into the Army at 18 and assigned to the 356th Army band as a supply sergeant and percussionist in Ft. Belvoir, VA.  Upon discharge, he resumed music studies, playing locally for 2 weeks on the Hippodrome stage as a result of winning a singing contest with the Johnny Bottwell Orchestra.  Exposure ultimately lead him to Art and Dotty Todd, recording artists, who took him to Palm Springs, California, where he performed at the Shadow Mountain Club.  Upon returning from California, he worked 5 summers on the Bay Belle Tolchester and Betterton cruises.  Success lead him to work with a Meyer Davis Band in Palm Beach, Florida, numerous concerts with the legendary Ink Spots, 5 years with The Marveleers at the Celebrity Lounge in Baltimore and years with the George Hipp Orchestra.  Mel performed and headed up bands at the Tail of the Fox Club in Timonium and the Greenspring Inn in Lutherville.  He was particularly proud when his daughter Stephanie would sing with him at weddings and other events. 

Mel was a gentle and kind man, and dedicated father to Shelly Ruff (Andy), Stephanie McVey and Cindy Baker (Brian) and step-father to Jough Loosemore (Betty).    He was a devoted husband to Carole Seebode and Margaret Seebode.  He leaves behind grandchildren he loved dearly;  Bobby, Nicholas, Kevin, Dylan, Dustin, Ryan, Sarah, Beth and Kat.

He was a devoted Orioles, Colts and Ravens fan, and taught his girls the love of the game.

Contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Carroll County at https://hscarroll.org/donate/. 

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