Chauncey E. Mallett, Sr.

Chauncey E. Mallett, Sr.
West Des Moines
Chauncey Eugene Mallett Sr. was born November 24, 1955, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Lula and Lewis Mallett Sr. He entered into eternal life on May 19 at age 53 at Hospice Kavanaugh House in Des Moines.
He spent most of his life in the Waterloo and metro Des Moines area. He was united in holy matrimony to Tina Louise Rowland on August 14, 1976 in Des Moines, Iowa.
He joined Living Truth Church not long after it was organized in 2001. He served with passion as chief deacon of his church and was a diligent armor bearer for his pastor. He often jokingly said, "Pastor, I will take a bullet for you, but if you preach a bad sermon and they throw rotten tomatoes at you, you are on your own."
Chauncey played many roles in his church including sound technician, member of the praise team, middle-school Sunday school teacher and drummer. He was a blessed musician and an accomplished percussionist. His distinctive tenor voice was incomparable. "Standing on the Promises" and "Never Could Have Made It" were his signature songs and his pure, melodious voice often brought many to tears on Sunday mornings.
He took his duties as a deacon seriously and demanded that things be done decently and in order. He remained a warrior from his sick bed giving his pastor advice on how and what needed to be done in the church.
He was semi-retired, but had most recently worked as a music producer and sound technician. Chauncey installed sound systems in many Des Moines churches, including his own. Recently, he passed the baton to his son, Christopher Johnson Sr., telling him, "Son, I've taught you all I know." In the 1970s and 1980s, Chauncey sang, played drums, and performed with such bands as Mudbone, Split Decision and Solar Energy.
He was an excellent cook and was the first African American to work as a sous chef at the exclusive Des Moines Club. He had also worked as host at On the Border restaurant. Chauncey also loved to show off his grilling skills at home.
He was heavily involved with the Iowa Juneteenth Observance for the past 10 years and was vice chairman for organizational support at the time of his passing. He was responsible for logistics, put all of the entertainment together and led the talent search for one of Iowa's African American celebrations. He produced the CD "Freedom Songs," and donated it for the benefit of the Juneteenth Observance.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Frederick Mallett Sr. and his beloved daughter, Christine Louise Mallett, who left this earthly life a little more than a year ago.
Chauncey is survived by his wife of 32 years, Tina of West Des Moines, three sons, Christopher Johnson Sr. of Des Moines, Chauncey Mallett Jr. and D'oveon Mallett of West Des Moines; seven daughters, Barbara Devan of Des Moines, Micaela Mallett and Rebecca Mallett, both of West Des Moines, and Kimberly, Debra, Felicia, and Jamie Wagner all of Houston; his mother, Lula Mallett of Coralville; two brothers, Lewis Mallett of Milwaukee and Marlin Mister of Waterloo; a sister, Debra Campbell of Iowa City; his mother-in law, Barbara Rowland of Des Moines; a stepson, Marcus Wagner; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends and acquaintances.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Juneteenth Observance, c/o Connect Foundation, P.O. Box 65204, West Des Moines, IA 50265.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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