Chester A. Mallory, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on October 18, 2016. He was born on August 16, 1922 in Coalinga, California to Albert and Pearl Mallory. The family moved to Burbank, CA and then to Downey, CA. He lettered in all sports and also enjoyed playing a major role in Downey High School government. Prior to joining the service in WWII he married the love of his life, Melba Ratliff. They enjoyed 75 years of happiness together. He was employed at Vultee Aircraft in Downey before being drafted in WWII. Chet joined the AAF. He attended Missoula, Montana University, graduated, received his “wings’” and was later promoted to First Lt.
He became a pilot and was assigned to Therligh Air Base in England, near London. From there he flew bombing missions over Germany. After returning home he and his father-in-law, Clay Ratliff, decided to go into the dairy and cattle raising business in Oakdale. Then in 1952 he started his Real Estate career and was very active in the Modesto Board of Realtors. He was president of the Modesto Board of Realtors as well as other positions on the board. He owned two Century 21 offices in Modesto as well as Escalon Century 21 and Century 21 Cloverland Realty in Oakdale. He retired in 1991 after working 39 years as a realtor. In 1963 Oakdale Construction Co. was formed for the purpose of developing lots and building homes to be sold by his sales staff. During these years he was a member of the Oakdale City Council, Vice-Mayor of Oakdale, President of Kiwanis Club, President of Chamber of Commerce, and was one of the original members on the Board of Directors that created Oak Valley District Hospital. He served 20 years on the Oak Valley District Hospital Board. Chet was also an original member of the Oakdale Golf and Country Club and served on the Oakdale Senior Citizen Advisory Council. Throughout his life his relationship with the lord was always first with him. He was generous and fair, yet persistent and confident. He was active in Oakdale Church of the Nazarene, serving many years on the Church Board, was teacher for the high school class and enjoyed living his life for the lord and achieving success in every facet of his life. He will be deeply and painfully missed, yet celebrated, honored, and never forgotten.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Melba; Children, Phillip Mallory and Gayle (Joe) Welling; grandsons, Caleb Parr Mallory, Michael (Jennifer) Jason; Jacob (Gabrielle) Lutz; great-granddaughters, Myli Dawn Henke, Khloe and Frankie Dawn Jason, Tristin Riley and Logan Lutz,; brother Robert Mallory of Hawaii and sister-in-law Jeanne Christensen and Alva Gene Mallory and many beloved nieces and nephews. Chet is preceded in death by his brothers William and Gene Mallory, sisters Buelah Morey, Georgia Hocker, and Margie Sauvaguea. A gathering for friends and family was held on Saturday, October 22nd at the Oakdale Family Church of the Nazarene and graveside memorial service followed at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, CA. Remembrances can be made to Oakdale Family Church of the Nazarene, 1700 West F Street, Oakdale, CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Oct. 26, 2016