Delbert Gillam

Delbert Earl “Del” Gillam, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away surrounded in love by family on April 19, 2017, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Peace Lutheran Church, on Meyer Road and Prairie Avenue, with military rites immediately following at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls, Idaho.

Delbert was born on Nov. 24, 1934, in Sturgis, S.D., to Earl and Velma Gillam. He attended Rural Elementary and Argonne High School in Argonne, S.D. He excelled in track and basketball, still holding the South Dakota high school state record for the most points (72) in a game.

Delbert entered the United States Army in 1953, serving in Korea and Vietnam; A-1-8th 4th Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and awarded two purple hearts for his service and sacrifice.

On Dec. 3, 1971, he married Eunice Hall (Eid) in Pipestone, Minn., and adopted four daughters: Marvie, Jolene, Kathryn and Angie. In 1978, the family moved to Idaho.

Delbert worked a variety of jobs during his life including being a skilled carpenter in remodeling and new construction, farming and small business property management.

Special interests include lake and deep sea fishing, golf with friends and family, darts and enjoying quality time with the grandchildren.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Eunice Gillam of Coeur d’Alene; and four daughters, Marvie (Gary) Robbins, Jolene (Randy) Pooley, Kathryn (Trace) Davids and Angie (Jay) Derting; 14 grandchildren, Kelly Robbins, Jill Moser, Sarah Robbins, Terri Young, Brenda Hakkarinen, Renae Meyer, Shanna Davids, Justin Derting, Aaron Derting, Alyssa Jackson, Anna Derting, Kassie Derting, Jayson Derting and Hope Derting; and 20 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bruce, Donny and George; three sisters, Jennifer, Myra, and Wendy. Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister; and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank Ivy Court Health and Rehab and Generations Assisted living for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made to any Wells Fargo Bank Branch, Delbert Gillam Fund, to support the new VA Home for Veterans of North Idaho.

Honorary pall bearers are the men of the A-1-8th 4th Infantry Division.