December 2, 2024
mip obit 9

Delmar George Pullins passed into the arms of his Lord Jesus on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 after fighting a mighty battle. He was born Jan. 9, 1942. He was 87 years old.

How to write an obituary for this gentle giant of a man?

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Vicki Lynn Griffin, his children, their spouses and their mother; Stuart Edward and Betty, Veronica Ruth and Andy Bishop, and Louise Loyer Pullins; grandchildren, Jessica (Jason Schneider), Jenifer (Jon MCann), Lindsey Nicole (Nick Glova), Stuart Bradley Pullins (Lindsey), Katherine Louise Bishop; great-grandchildren Jace, Jaden, Joselyn, Landon, Rowan and Chance, a sister Malinda Mae Pullins Keith, a niece, “his buddy” Mindy Keith, nephew Harry H Keith III, and his spouse and family. Friends would be impossible to list as Del lived generously, sharing his time, knowledge, resources, love of Jesus, and love of the outdoors with everyone who showed interest.

Never to turn anyone aside, he taught generations how to hunt, fish, shoot, tell tall tales, laugh, and eat ice cream. Always the first to volunteer to cook or help, with church, the fire department, the Masonic Lodge, his high school class reunion, among other groups, he also set up the Thursday Morning Bible study that grew beyond his belief! Being a big kid at heart, Del’s ability to connect with the younger generation was evident every Sunday in church during the penny march and offering. Even when he needed a walker or cane, he would delight the children by dancing and goofing around. The joy they brought him was priceless and shared through him with everyone he encountered.

After serving in the Air Force for 20 years as a navigator, pilot, flight instructor and squadron commander, he retired.  He then flew for the Allegany Airlines, after which he became Avionics Administrator for the Ohio University Avionics and Engineering Department. His career led him down several paths including gun shop manager, village administrator for McComb and Georgetown, Ohio, and water district manager for Brown County Rural Water.  In retired life, he enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great-grands, stayed active in the community, took pride in keeping his property neat, loved various dogs and cats, and continued deepening his relationship with Christ with Bible study and communion.

The world is brighter because he lived. He will be missed deeply. The funeral will be held at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy on Saturday, February 10. Viewing is 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with American Legion and Masonic honors. The funeral is at 1 p.m. followed by the graveside service at Chester Cemetery with a Military Honor Guard.  A celebration of laughter, stories, 50’s music, food and ice cream will be held immediately after the graveside service at the Chester Fire Department. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his home church, the Ash Street Church in Middleport, Ohio, the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum, or any of those organizations that he supported wholeheartedly.