Delbert "Cotton" Wehrle's Obituary
Delbert L. "Cotton" Wehrle, 90, of Vandalia, passed away at
1:26am, Thursday, May 14, 2015 at his home in Vandalia.
Services for Cotton will be held at 10:00am, Monday, May 18,
2015 at Family Worship Center, Vandalia with Pastor Tracy Zimmerman
and Pastor Kenneth Wehrle officiating. Visitation will be
held from 4:00-8:00pm, Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Family Worship
Center, Vandalia and 1 hour prior to services at the church
Monday. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia
withMilitary Rites accorded at graveside by Crawford-Hale American
Legion Post # 95, Vandalia, IL and Brownstown VFW Post #9770.
Memorials may be made to the Family Worship Center.
Cotton was born July 30, 1924 in Hanson, IL, the son of Jesse
J.R. and Pearl (Smith) Wehrle. He enlisted in the US Navy on May
14, 1943, where he proudly served his country during WWII.
After his separation from the Navy he married Arvilla (Hopkins)
Wehrle on May 14, 1946 in Kentucky, and together they started their
family. Arvilla passed away on November 14, 1974.
Cotton married Judy (Hawthorne) Wehrle February 9, 1987 in
Magnolia, TX. Cotton was a true entrepreneur, he was a self
employed farmer, he ran a lumber and logging business, salvage
business, operated a gas station and bought and sold real estate
over the course of his life. He was a member of the Family Worship
Center in Vandalia, served on the Board of Directors at
Family Worship Center, and a member of Vandalia American Legion
Post #95. Cotton was most proud of his family and his time in
the military and in September of 2014 he was a guest on an Honor
Flight trip to Washington DC.
He is survived by his wife Judy Wehrle of Vandalia; sons John
Wehrle and wife Gayle of Vandalia, Steve Wehrle and wife Karen of
Magnolia, TX, and Mike Wehrle and wife JoEllen of Vandalia;
daughters Kay Jones of Highland, Debby and husband Joe Sefton of
Effingham, Amy and husband Tracy Zimmerman of Vandalia; step
daughters Jo and husband Chuck Hutson of Vandalia and Vicki and
husband Dale Choisser of Nashville, TN; brother Kenneth Wehrle and
wife Jean of Altoona, PA; sisters Elsie Wehrle of Vandalia and
Marie Laisure of Junction City, OR; 23 Grandchildren, 4 Step
Grandchildren, 47 Great Grandchildren, 2 Step Great
Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Arvilla Wehrle;
brothers Melvin, Robert, and Harold Wehrle; sisters Jo Sharp and
Ruby Schaub.
What’s your fondest memory of Delbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Delbert?
Share a story where Delbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Delbert you’ll never forget.
How did Delbert make you smile?