Ivan Reginald Sellers

Ivan Reginald Sellers was born on 31, Aug. 1946 to John Everett Sellers, (17,Jul. 1919 – 08, Jan. 1967) and Amy Lee Baker Sellers (29, Dec. 1919 – 2, Oct. 1996) as the 5th of six children (And the youngest son). His siblings are as follows

  Ronnie Ross Sellers (19, Sep 1938)

  Dalton Ralph Sellers (20, Feb 1941)

  Carolyn Rae Sellers(9, Jun. 1943)[Twin Sis.]

  Carroll (Pete) Ray sellers(9, Jun. 1943)[Twin Bro.]

  Ivan Reginald Sellers (31, Aug. 1946)

  Charlotte Ramona Sellers (19, Jan. 1950)

Oddly enough, all the kids' middle names begin with the letter “R”

   He had a rough childhood with his parents. While still a child his parents divorced, placing him and his older brother (Ronnie) in Boy’s Haven to continue their difficult existence.

  He only remembers having received one Christmas gift as a child, (A Tonka truck) which he received from a beloved uncle. This uncle was very poor, but would pick up the boys for the weekend when he could afford the gas.

  Ivan Lived in Boy’s Haven until Ronnie graduated from high school, at which point he moved in with him. Throughout all his schooling, he never once ate lunch at school, because no one ever thought to give him money to buy it, to give him the means to pack his own, or to register him for free lunches at the school.

He was never taken to any church in his childhood, and doesn’t know where he learned to pray, but remembers praying at night in Boy’s Haven for God to send someone to love him. He believe that person to be his wife, whom he met at the age of 15, and asked her to marry him. She accepted.

  Six months after they both graduated, Ivan married Melba on 2,Nov. They are now the parents of 11 children, and the grandparents of 30 grandchildren, and counting. Their children are as follows:

  Monica Michele Jarrell  (Oct 29, 1968)

  Melissa Elaine Moore (May 24, 1971)

  Charlotte Rebecca Oldbury (Sept 26, 1973)

  Sarah Elizabeth Lunt (Dec 20, 1975)

  Travis Ryan Sellers (Dec 6, 1977 - March 2, 2008)

  Jill Katina Ratcliff (Oct 17, 1979)

  Cari Liann Murdock (July 5, 1981)

  David Howard Sellers (Aug 17, 1983)

  Marianne Rachelle Ochoa (May 31, 1985)

  Kelly Brianna (Nov 6, 1987)

  Rachel Allison (Sept 20, 1996)

(All of their maiden names are Sellers. Maiden names are left out to conserve space. Those missing their last name are unmarried at the present.)

Shortly after their marriage, Ivan knew that he would soon be drafted, so to avoid the infantry, he enlisted in the army. He served 2 tours in Vietnam, and was stationed in multiple states. During this time he met a member of the church that sent the missionaries to his home. At this time, they had only 3 children, and have remained faithful in the church ever since.

  Shortly after joining the church they returned to Texas where they had grown up, and Ivan began working for Mobil Oil as an electrician while he raised his large family.

  Two years after his baptism he was called to serve in the bishopric of his ward while he attended Lamar University. He eventually graduated with two associates degrees, as the first member of his family to graduate from college.

  Also, after being baptized, he learned that his mother had been baptized at the age of 8, but had since become dormant, hence his rough upbringing. He also learned of one of his great grandfathers named William Williamson. William Williamson had been baptized in 1900, becoming the first saint to do so in Vidor, where Ivan and his family lived, and currently reside. William Williamson is also the among the ancestors of many who remain in Vidor. Almost all who live there have heard his name and at least know several of his descendants, if they are not counted among them.

While working at Mobil Oil he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (A rare degenerative eye disease) and was going blind. Shortly thereafter he lost his job at half of his former salary, with 8 children living at home. Yet he continued with faith, and eventually had 11 children, the youngest being born when he was 50, and his wife 49 ½.

  During this time they moved to Davila in central Texas, where Melba’s ancestors came from, and enjoyed raising many of their children there.

  While yet living in Davila, Ivan was hospitalized with Guillain Barre Syndrome (A very painful nerve disorder which often leaves it's victims paralyzed). He also developed Bell's Palsy during this time as well (Also incredibly rare – especially having contracted, Guillain Barre). But the Lord was merciful and blessed him with the proper medical care and treatments. Though he has never fully recovered, he is thrilled to have 85% of his physical feeling.

  Because his hands and feet are numb, he requires a cane for balance, due to being legally blind. He also requires a hearing aid to prolong his hearing as long as possible, due to the adverse effects of Guillain Barre.

  The numbness in his hands has inhibited him from doing many of the crafts that he once enjoyed, and has kept him from being able to learn to read brail. He often finds a trail of blood from where he has cut his hand or foot, and has several burns from similar accidents cause by his conditions.

  Through the military he was able to go to a facility to learn to care better for himself by doing things such as laundry, cooking, walking with canes for the blind, (To avoid running into people or things) etc.

He also suffers from depression (A hereditary disorder for which he takes medication), yet say that he is happy due to his many blessings, and gratitude for the gospel.

  Throughout the years he has magnified all of the several callings which he has held. He currently serves in the Stake High Council with 3 of his son in laws, and he has served there for many years.

  Among the many stories told of Ivan, one lesser known is of his testimony of tithing. While still a new member of the church, and raising many of his children, he had spent all of his money, and had come up short when it came time to pay his tithing. He then approached his bishop asking for advice. The bishop then told him to simply add it to his tithing the following week, and that would be sufficient. Ivan didn’t feel comfortable with that idea. In response to his dilemma, he rooted out a portion of his prized coin collection, and he sold it to a local antiques dealer. With that money he was able to pay is tithing. It was a sacrifice, but he never again lacked the money to pay his tithing. Malachi tells us that the lord will pour a blessing out upon our heads so great that we cannot receive it. We may ask “What blessing has he received? Why he cannot even see? How then can he see his great blessings?” upon first inspection, that argument would have some truth to it. But upon closer inspection would be torn apart. The blessings for his sacrifice and dedication have not been received by him, for they are far too great, but for his dedication and faithfulness he has 11 children raised in the gospel, and 30 grandchildren, 3 having served or serving missions, and one sealed in the temple, with many more to come. How then can one doubt the blessings of the Lord?

Has not the Lord then, been truly merciful unto Ivan? Many shall call him father, and many shall praise him for his sacrifices, and for raising his children in the gospel. Through his descendants has much of the gospel been preached to the nations, and will continue to be preached. How then can his name not be called blessed, for even in his late years he remains faithful to his Father in heaven. How great the mercies of the Lord. Ivan has lived to leave a legacy of faith and devotion to the Lord, for when once he found the truth, he never did turn away.