Ira Clatis Mallard

Funeral services for Ira Clatis Mallard will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Brother Jim Hutchinson officiating. The family will receive guests one hour prior to service in the chapel. The burial will be immediately following the service at Enterprise Cemetery. Pall bearers will be David Speed, Joel Speed, Dewayne Speed and Robert (Bob) Speed. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Mallard, age 95, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Wisteria Manor in Shubuta, Mississippi.

Wanting to serve his country, he dropped out of high school in 1946 at 17 years of age to enlist in the United States Air Force. He received specialized training as a communications technician while in the military. He served his country while stationed in Mississippi, Texas, Guam, and Kansas. He separated from the military at the end of 1949, returning home to complete his high school education and graduate from Enterprise High School.

In November of 1951, he married Katie Evelyn Speed, and they were married for 72 years. They had a daughter, Brenda Dianne Mallard (Williams), in 1953. Then a granddaughter, Marilyn Michaloski, was born in 1977. These three special ladies were his heart, and he was blessed to have them. His greatest joy in life was being known as husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. Mallard took his military training and garnered employment with Southern Bell (now AT&T) where we was employed for over 30 years. He worked in both Mississippi and Florida and retired in August of 1982. He built a home in Enterprise upon retirement and enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed the RV life traveling the United States and visiting many National Parks. He also enjoyed visiting family in Spain when he could. He was an avid reader collecting an extensive library focusing on Biblical scholarly studies. For many years, he and his wife faithfully attended Enterprise Baptist Church.

His parents, wife, four brothers and his sister have preceded him in death. One remaining brother, Morris Arden Mallard, still resides in Hattiesburg, MS. His daughter, Brenda Dianne Williams (Brad) and granddaughter, Marilyn Michaloski, both reside in Gulfport, MS. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.