Mr. Delbert (Dee) D. Estes, went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at age 91, surrounded  by his loved ones at his earthly home in Prentiss, MS.  Funeral services were held Monday, August 29, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Prentiss Baptist Church in Prentiss, MS. Rev. Ben James, Dr. David Michel, Dr. Randy Rich, and Dr. Ricky Gray officiated. Interment followed in Brady Cemetery. Saulters Moore Funeral Home of Prentiss handled arrangements.

Pallbearers were his nephews: Donnie Woodruff, Mike McCool, Marc McCool, Robert McCool, Joey Estes, Hal Estes, Patrick Estes, Joey Landry, and Brett Estes.  Honorary Pallbearers were Deacons of Prentiss Baptist Church, Dee’s Sunday School Class Members; and his Wards Coffee Crew.

Delbert D. Estes, better known as Dee, was born August 24, 1925 in Winston Co., MS to L.W. and Lottie Craig Estes.  He was a graduate of Noxapater High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II.

He met and married his wife, Patricia (Patti) Lashley in 1948.  In June they were blessed to have celebrated 68 years of marriage. He and Patti started their married life in Louisville, MS where Dee worked for McKay Furniture.  He later went to work with Southern Natural Gas Company in the Compressor Station and later was transferred to Prentiss, MS where he worked for 33 years.

He continued his love for farming by raising and selling cattle. He retired from the farm in 2009.  It has been said that a cow couldn’t be sold in Jefferson Davis County without going through D&E Farms.  Dee was a member of the Cattlemen’s Association, Forestry Commission, FHA Board, and Soil Conservation Board.

His love for farming came second to his love of hunting and fishing.  In his younger years he was an avid fisherman.  He also spent many happy years hunting with his brothers, uncles, nephews, family, and close friends on the Noxubee River in Shuqualak, MS.  Dee has the proof hanging on the walls of his home office.

His first love was his wife, daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved his family and spent many happy years sharing his love of farming and hunting with them.  He also enjoyed his coffee drinking buddies at “Miss” Louise’s and later at Wards. He was known for always having a cute joke or funny tale to share.

Dee was a member of Prentiss Baptist Church where, at retirement, he served as a Deacon. He was a faithful member of the Ingram Foster Sunday School Class until health issues kept him at home.  He loved working with the children on Wednesday nights and greeting people on Sunday mornings.  He served his church faithfully for many years and dearly loved and supported the pastors he was honored to serve with.

He is survived by his wife Patti Estes; one daughter, Deborah Dickens and husband, James Earl of Prentiss, MS; granddaughter, DeeDee Geske (Michael) of Hattiesburg, MS; grandson Darren Dickens (Julie) of Laurel, MS;  five great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Jacob Geske of Hattiesburg; Karlie Anne, Abree Claire and Colby James Dickens of Laurel, MS;  one brother, Jerry Craig Estes of Louisville, MS;  2 sisters: Jean Woodruff of Louisville, MS and Elsie Carter of Noxapater, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Larry Lashley Estes, 3 brothers: Wayne Estes. Bob Estes. Mo Estes; sister, Maxine McCool, and nephew, Craig Estes.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com