How would you remove the seal from this photo

[troyguy]

This is the only photo I have of my dear uncle who died in a truck accident 15 years ago. I am a total newbie to Gimp. Where would I begin to try to improve this photo? Especially would like to remove the state seal that overshadows much of his face. If someone wants to do it for me I am not complaining :-) Thanks for any help or recommendations you can give.