Delbert Wesley McAmis died in Tomball, Texas, on August 31, 2017, a day shy of his 97th birthday. Mr. McAmis is survived by his wife, Uba (Jackie) McAmis and her family: Larry Townsend and wife Cheryl of Hempstead; Alan Townsend of San Diego, California; Gus Praesel and wife Tina of Buna, Texas; and granddaughter Chelsea White of Hempstead.
He is survived by his children and their families: Jonnie Martin of Arlington, Texas; Delbert E. McAmis and wife Rosemary of Roseburg, Oregon; Vyvyan Bretz of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Robert Malcolm McAmis and wife Evelyn of Hurst, Texas. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. He was also close to a niece, Sharon McAmis of Hempstead, Texas. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Evalynne McAmis, and grandsons Cary Bretz and Terry Mann.
Born September 1, 1920, in Olney, Texas, Mr. McAmis lived in this state all of his life. He worked in the family trade of roofing in younger days. In 1954 he went to work at the General Motors plant in Arlington, Texas, retiring as a Night Foreman after more than 20 years of service. Thereafter he managed the Rio Ranch in Hempstead, Texas, owned by his brother, Robert McAmis, MD (now deceased). He worked for a time with Marshall Chevrolet in Hempstead.
Mr. McAmis served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Combat Infantry in World War II, fighting in the Philippines. He served in the 27th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and received several commendations including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star.
As a younger man, Mr. McAmis was known as an athlete and sportsman. He played semi-pro baseball and turned down an opportunity to enter major league baseball because of responsibilities to his young family. He continued with his love of baseball for years, as a player, coach and umpire. He also liked to fish and golf and was a competitive bowler.
There will be no funeral service following cremation. His ashes will be buried in the McAmis family plot in Olney, Texas, following a private family gathering.