Delbert died at Accura Health Care in Knoxville, Iowa. He was 78 years old.
He was born on December 10, 1938 to Oral and Francis (Gladson) Gray. Delbert graduated with the Lovilia High School class of 1956. In March 1959 he was joined in marriage to Shirley Walter. They were blessed with three children: Brad, Shelli, and Lisa.
Delbert farmed and raised cattle most of his life. Some of the land he farmed was homesteaded by his family in 1855. He was a Cedar Township trustee for 48 years. Also he was a Monroe County Cattlemen’s Association member. Things he enjoyed were: pheasant and quail hunting, raising cattle, his Tennessee Walking horses, going to sales, playing black jack at casinos, watching westerns and ball games on television, talking politics, and his dog, Lady.
He is survived by his wife of Lovilia; son, Brad (Denise) Gray of Albia; daughter, Shelli (Kevin) Parmenter of Overland Park,Kansas; and daughter, Lisa (Brian) Scala of Albia. His grandchildren are Kaley, Ethan, and Caleb Gray, Kyle and Kelsi Parmenter, and Brooke and Emily Scala. Also, one niece, Jill Bonnett and her daughter, Jessy. And a very good childhood buddy, Jim Beary.
Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister Marlene Sampson.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. , Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Brad Gray officiating. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.
Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.27, 2016 at Tharp Funeral Home. His family will be present throughout the day and evening to greet friends and family. Delbert’s family encourages anyone attending to please wear flannel or plaid shirts to the visitation in Delbert’s honor.
Memorials have been established to the Monroe County Cattlemen’s Association.