Eugene "Gene" Wells Oldham

Eugene “Gene” Wells Oldham, age 66, of Elsmere, Delaware, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Gene was born in Wilmington, son of Diane Irene (Clark) Button. Gene graduated from John Dickinson High School, Class of 1978, and went on to become a highly respected Lab Technician for Hercules and Ashland, Inc., where he worked for 47 years. Gene’s family was very important to him, and he cherished every moment he spent with them, especially his son Sam. In his free time, Gene enjoyed going to the racetrack at Delaware Park, watching the Eagles and the Phillies, and dinners at Mrs. Robinos. Gene was predeceased by his adopted son, Robert; his great-aunt, Edna Mae Clark; and grandparents, Fred N. Clark, Molly Chadwick; and Ernest and Thelma Oldham.

Gene is survived by his devoted son, Sam E. Oldham; mother, Diane Irene Button; brother, Fred R. Oldham; sisters, Wendy Halligan-Hales (Raymond) and Denise Shaffer (Randy); nephew Christopher Oldham, niece Jessica Catron, great-nephews Tyden, Adrian and Aiden great-niece Dahlia, and extended close family friends whom he all loved.

A visitation for Gene will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, where friends and family may call from 10-11am, with a celebration of life following at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gene’s name to Faithful Friends Animal Society or Delaware Hospice.