Delmar Theodore “Pat” Feeler, 90, Vienna, was born Nov. 21, 1929, near Vienna, a son of Theodore Tilghman and Effie Leona (Hayes) Feeler, and passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020, in StoneBridge Westphalia.
Pat was married Dec. 23, 1961, at Vienna, to Norma Faye Duncan, and to this union four children were born.
He was baptized Sept. 25, 1980, and was a member of the Vienna United Methodist Church. Pat went to Snodgrass School for his lower grades and was a 1948 graduate of Vienna High School. His senior year, he placed third in state 60 yard high hurdles and a 29-5 basketball team season. In 1951, Pat tried out for the New York Giants in Florida and again in 1952, being told, “If they thought he could hit, they would take him to Arizona.” He had a full ride to UMC in baseball, and Pat stated, “Don’t want to go to school, just want to play ball.” So, he came home and helped on the farm.
Pat served in the U.S. Army from March 31, 1952, until Dec. 30, 1953. He was in the Infantry Branch; was sent to fight in the Korean Conflict; and was awarded the Combat Infantry Mans Badge, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. At the time of his “honorable discharge.” Pat had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Following his military service, he was employed from 1953-54 to help build the Vichy airport. In 1953-55, Pat was employed by McDonald Douglas Aircraft, St. Louis. He began his career with Vic Wulf charcoal company in 1955, where he was employed until his retirement in 1999, after 44 years. He was also a lifelong farmer in Maries County. Pat was always active in his community and was a long time supporter of the Vienna Lions Club, a 16 year school board member, life member of the American Legion, past board member of the Maries County Livestock Co-op Board, and always a strong supporter of the community and school athletic programs. He enjoyed attending any sporting activity, bowling, and especially being with his grandkids.
Those left to mourn the passing of Pat include: his wife of 58 years, Norma Feeler, Vienna; children, Delmar T. “Ted” Feeler, Jr. (Beverly), Terry L. Feeler (Stefanie) and Tammy Kleffner (Mark), all of Vienna; grandchildren, Waylon Kleffner (Nicki), Freeburg, Candace Schwartz (Dwayne), Westphalia, Angel Baker (Robert), Dixon, Chace Feeler (Leann), Vienna, Ashley Wilson, Meta, and Brock Feeler, Karissa Feeler, Jada Kleffner and Gabe Kleffner, all of Vienna; great-grandchildren, Emma Kleffner, Brody Kleffner, Blakley Feeler and Andi Wilson; three siblings, Wayne Feeler (Wynn), Myrtle Beach, S.C., Anna Lee Baker (Jim), Tucson, Ariz., and Jackie Keaton (Larry), Licking; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded by death one son, Johnny Todd Feeler, March 26, 1989; his father, Theodore, Aug. 22, 1962; his mother, Effie, Sept. 10, 1999; and three brothers, Forest Alexander Feeler, March 8, 1941, Julius Feeler on March 16, 1997, and Tilghman Alex Feeler, Nov. 20, 2016.
Visitation will be held (today) Wednesday, June 24, from 5-7 p.m. and Thursday, June 25, from 10-11 a.m. with funeral services following with Rev. Karen Alden officiating, all in Vienna United Methodist Church.
Interment, with full military honors, will be in the Vienna Public Cemetery under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna. Pallbearers will be Ted Feeler, Terry Feeler, Waylon Kleffner, Chace Feeler, Brock Feeler, Gabe Kleffner, and Brody Kleffner, with granddaughters, Candace Schwartz, Angel Baker, Karissa Feeler, Jada Kleffner, and Ashley Wilson serving as his honorary pallbearers.
Memorials contributions suggested to Vienna United Methodist Church or Vienna Cemetery.
