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Delbert was born to Herbert and Hattie Shipps and was raised in Bucyrus, Kansas. He graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1947 and a few years later, joined the Army, serving from 1950-1952. He spent 15 months serving our country in Germany.
He was united in marriage to Georgia (Wilburn) on July 18, 1954 and the couple made their home in Drexel, Georgia’s hometown.
To this union were born three children, Karen, Sharon, and Kenny.
Delbert and Georgia made many memories traveling, fishing, bowling, square dancing, playing cards with friends, watching the Royals and Chiefs play, and following their kids and grandkids’ sports teams through the years. They were married for over 66 years and supported many community activities in Drexel.
Delbert drove a milk truck (when milk used to come in the big cans), drove for LP Gas, and then worked as a foreman in plumbing warehouses for 23 years.
Delbert is survived by his loving wife, Georgia, of Drexel, MO, his daughter Karen DeShon (Roy) of Plattsburg, MO, daughter Sharon Otto (Bob) of Raymore, MO, and son Kenny Shipps (Krystal) of Drexel, MO. Grandchildren include Chad DeShon (Katie), Amy Larry (Erik), Jason Otto (Janet), Terry Otto, Daniel Shipps, Sydney Shipps, and Olivia Shipps. Great-grandchildren include Ellis and Georgia DeShon, Elijah, Eva, Emmett, and Ezekiel Larry, and Grayson and Rowan Otto. His family has a wealth of memories as Delbert’s legacy, and never once doubted that he loved us immensely.
Delbert is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family, countless friends, and was a beloved member of the Drexel community. He was the kind of person who never met a stranger and didn’t miss a ball game if he could help it.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks anyone wishing to honor Delbert’s memory to please consider donating to the Drexel Youth Sports Association (DYSA), as he was instrumental in the development of the youth football program in the 1970s, coached for many years, and was a lifelong fan of youth sports.
