BELLVILLE: Delbert Ray Mellott, age 90, peacefully passed away Monday, July 14, 2025 at his home.
He was born February 20, 1935 in Butler, Ohio to Edwin and Martha (Brokaw) Mellott, graduated from Butler high school in 1953, where he played football and was inducted with his team into the Clear Fork Valley Athletic Hall of Fame.
On June 23, 1956 he married Betty Louise Swank with whom he raised their family of five children in the community they both loved.
Del was an industrious man. Hardworking, he eventually channeled that work ethic into building Mellott Milk Transport, Wilderness Log Homes and as a contractor/developer had a hand in establishing other area businesses. In his 80’s he envisioned a residential neighborhood outside Bellville and partnered with Schrock Premier to bring Urban Meadows to fruition.
Deeply rooted in the Butler community, Del was not just a builder of homes, but a builder of history. He was a founding member of the Butler Museum, contributing time, resources and construction knowledge to building the museum. His love of storytelling made him a living history book of the area. Whether he was swapping tales, working on a project, or sharing a laugh at the ice cream counter, Del’s presence lit up the room.
His humor was legendary. He had a collection of one-liners that made people laugh and think, like “You only need three sets of clothes: one to wear, one to take off, and one to go without,” and his signature order at the ice cream stand—“Don’t be afraid to pull the handle!” He traveled often with his beloved wife Betty and along life’s way, rarely met a stranger.
Surviving are his children Jeffrey (Beth) Mellott, Terri Ramey, Jody (Benjamin) Haserodt, Lori (John) Workman, and Jerry Mellott; and 12 dear grandchildren:Jessica (Damien)Long, Abigail (Nick) Ross, Andrew (Meg) Ramey, Sarah (Bryan) Ringsted, Megan (Drew) Haserodt, Rose Haserodt, Mac Workman, Gus (Clara) Workman, Joey Workman, Ben Mellott, Lauren Mellott and Grace Mellott; seven great grandchildren: Calvin, Wade, Desmond, Pierce, James Thomas, Ava and Penelope.
Del was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty Mellott in 2018, parents Edwin Mellott and Martha Greer, daughter-in-law Roseann Mellott, two brothers Robert and Larry Mellott.
The family will host calling and a light meal, Friday, July 18, 2025 from 11am to 1pm in Clear Fork Alliance Church, 1008 St. Rt. 97 Bellville, where the funeral service will follow at 1 pm. Pastor Mike Stine will officiate. A private burial will be at a later time in Bellville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Butler Historical Society or Clear Fork Alliance Church.
Please visit:snyderfuneralhomes.com to leave a message or share a fond memory with the family.
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com