Delbert Mallette
July 22, 1927 — February 27, 2013
Delbert Gene Mallette, 85, of Carmi, passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 6:20 a.m. at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi. He was born July 22, 1927 in Washington, IN, the son of Paul and Zelda (Woodruff) Mallette. Gene graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1945 and joined the U.S. Navy. He served during WWII in the South Pacific on the USS Hornet. He married Wanda Ilene Dosher on September 20, 1947.
Gene's father opened Mallette Equipment Co. in 1934 and Gene continued operating the business until 1990. After Gene "retired" he managed the White County Memorial Garden grounds for ten years.
He served as president of the Carmi Township Hospital Board, Illinois Farm Equipment Retailer's Association and past president of Carmi Country Club.. Gene was a member of the American Legion, Over The Hill Gang, and a lifetime member of the VFW. He was a member of First Christian Church in Carmi and served as a deacon. Gene was an avid Cardinal's fan and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Wanda Mallette of Carmi; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanne and Larry Ackerman of Mt. Carmel and Julie and Rod Matsel of Carmi; two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Jimmie Mallette and Stan and Ginger Mallette all of Carmi; eleven grandchildren, Troy Ackerman, Tad Ackerman, Trisha Knight, Lauri Mallette, Doug Mallette, Nathan Mallette, Clayton Mallette, Sherry Anderson, Daniel Mobley, Kyle Matsel and Lukas Matsel; and 15 great-grandchldren.
Funeral services for Delbert Gene Mallette, 85, of Carmi, will be Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi with Ron Lamp and Mike Fields officiating. Burial will be in White County Memorial Garden near Carmi with Military Rites by Carmi VFW and American Legion. Friends may call on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Memorial gifts may be given in Gene's name to First Christian Church Building Fund or White County Memorial Garden and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home.