Delbert "Del" William Mully

Del Mully, age 97, a 25 year resident of Azle, Texas, died in Azle Manor on July 14, 2020. His previous residence for seven years was at Eagle Crest Villa, in Azle. He spent his last years there surrounded by many friends and a loving, caring staff. Del was born in Cedar Falls, IA, in 1922, as one of eight children with two surviving siblings, Jack (Judy) Mully, and Patti Syndergaard, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He began college and had a very successful basketball career; named a Little All-American player. He was drafted into the army during WWII where he fought in Germany and France. Upon his return, he married his college sweetheart, Vida Gangstad, and continued his education. After graduating from Iowa State Teacher’s College, Del began his teaching and coaching career which eventually led him to Rochelle, Illinois. There, he was head basketball coach for 10 years, later becoming athletic director until his retirement in 1984. After enjoying their Wisconsin cabin for several years, he and Vida moved in 1995, to Texas near their two younger daughters. Any type of athletics, whether participating or observing, appealed to Del. He loved playing golf and continued into his late 80’s. Playing bridge was another love of his. He enjoyed everything Chicago Cubs, and spent hours watching and listening to them, Preceding him in death in 2007 was his wife Vida. Married 61 years, the couple had three daughters; Reba (Bob) Eich, Crown Point, Indiana, Barbara (Mike) Daily, Azle, Texas, and Marcia (Larry) Torbett, Weatherford, Texas. Grandchildren include Jeff (Michelle) Eich, Crown Point, Indiana, Amy (Ralf) Sonnenberg, Buxtehude, Germany, Mindy (Nathan) Owens, Boyd, Texas, and Nick (Maureen) Daily, Charleston, South Carolina. There are eight great-grandchildren who adored this man. Del will be deeply missed for his honesty, integrity, positive attitude, generosity, warmth, and a wonderful sense of humor. He lived by the mantra, “Everything will work out fine”, and it usually did! A private graveside service with military honors will be held at DFW National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials in Del’s name may be sent to Azle Rotary Club (http://rotary5790.org/clubinfo/Azle ) or to Community Cares (http://www.azlecares.org ).