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Delbert ‘Del’ Earl Gillam, 82

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. Military Rites will be 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 schools and Argonne High School in South Dakota. He excelled in track and basketball and still holds the South Dakota high school state record for “72” points in one game.

Delbert entered the United States Army in 1953 serving in Korea and Vietnam of the 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 North 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; 20 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bruce, Donny and George; and three sisters, Jennifer, Myra and Wendy. Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, many aunts and uncles, and great-grandson Zachariah.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any Wells Fargo Bank, “Delbert Gillam N. ID Vets Home Fund” to support the future North Idaho Veterans’ Home or Alzheimer’s Association (alz.com).

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

Please visit Delbert’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.