Delbert Alfred Seals was born in rural Wabash County on November 20, 1926 to Eli and Dolice Liddle Seals. He attended Armstrong Grade School and Mundy Grade School and graduated from West Salem High School in 1944.
Delbert served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines. After the war he returned home to southern Illinois and worked for several years in the oil fields for Stuart Noah Oil Company out of Evansville, IN. Later, he joined Champion Laboratories in West Salem until he retired in 1992.
Delbert married Jean Shelby on June 11, 1955. They made their home on North Broadway in West Salem for 57 years. She preceded him in death on June 9, 2012. He later married Jean’s friend from childhood, Lois Gaede Bennett Evans, on March 13, 2015. Delbert and Lois both enjoyed retirement years watching their favorite sports teams and visiting family when they could. Although, Delbert never had children he enjoyed being a part of Lois’ large family. He was a wonderful uncle who was always fun and supportive. He will be missed at the Thanksgiving table this year along with his homemade pecan pie.
He was an active member of the First Christian Church of West Salem where he served as an elder for many years. He was a member of the West Salem American Legion McCormack Post 658. He served for many years on the board of Christian Homes in Lincoln, IL and on the advisory board of Christian Homes in Carmi, IL.
He passed on November 12, 2020 at Deaconess Hospital, Henderson, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents Eli and Dolice Seals; his wife, Jean Shelby Seals and his brothers, Eldon, Boyd, and Thomas and a sister, Alberta Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; his brothers, Gene and Larry (Lynda) and a sister, Brenda (Don) Bosecker. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and step-children.
Deb was an avid Cubs fan and always said he hoped the Lord would let him live long enough to see the Cubs win the World Series. He even got an extra four years. He loved traveling throughout his life, visiting many countries, and exploring the United States. Deb was privileged to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in recent years.
Private graveside services will be held at the Moravian Cemetery in West Salem with Military Honors. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date . . . hopefully, in the spring or early summer.
If you would like to honor Deb’s memory, please consider doing a random act of kindness for someone in need during these unprecedented times. Memorials could also be directed to First Christian Church of West Salem or Christian Homes in Carmi, IL.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.