Eugene M. Mallett, 96, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Saturday morning, March 27, 2021 at his home. Gene was born April 5, 1924 in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Marvin Mallett and Evelyn C. (King) Mallett. He was a 1942 graduate of Joplin Senior High School where he enjoyed his Automechanics Class taught by Ellis Kindred who later became his brother-in-law.
Gene was a veteran, proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII, drafted at age 18, inducted on March 3, 1943, serving until his discharge on March 11, 1946. He achieved the rank of Motor Machinist Mate-2nd Class (T) U.S.N.R. He earned the Submarine Combat Insignia after completing one successful patrol of the South China Sea. He was awarded five medals including the American Area Campaign Metal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with one star, Submarine Combat Insignia Pin with no stars, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Gene married the love of his life, Thelma P. Neece on November 24, 1949 in Racine, Missouri. With her encouragement and support, Gene received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Divinity degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma around 1952 after being ordained at Central City Christian Church in Joplin on August 24, 1947. He served four churches in Missouri during which time he completed graduate divinity studies at Princeton.
Gene enjoyed working with young people, being around his family and taking care of them, also caring for his pets and the wildlife on his property, building onto his house, mowing and maintaining his six acres, boating on the lake, bird watching, RV vacations, and repairing grandfather and cabinet clocks. In everything he did, Gene expressed his very kind and caring nature.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Thelma Mallett; a daughter, Kathy Pester (Paul), Carthage, Missouri; a son, Kim Mallett (Randi), Independence, Missouri; three grandchildren, Kerry Mallett (Adena), Kristin Mallett-Forshey (Cheyenne), Sam Pester; and 2 great-granddaughters, Estelle and Elizabeth Mallett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Estrell B. Peterson, and Ernestine Stafford.
Memorial services will be held 2 pm, Sunday, May 23, 2021 at Racine Christian Church, Racine, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
