I met Delbert later in his life, when I became part of the family . Since day one he made me feel welcomed, part of the family, always made the point to talk to me and asked me about my home country (Brazil) and how their harvest was doing. They say home is where your heart is. He always had a special place in my heart and being around him always felt like home, he was my American farmer uncle. As Rick said, I always appreciated listening to his stories and to learn about what made him the man he was. A family man, with a pure honest heart, a successful farmer, a loving and faithful husband, a story teller with a big sense of humor. I will always remember his easy laugh and his funny stories, especially the one about a time when he was carrying a box of doughnuts and his pants fell down mid way during his trip to the car. He saved the doughnuts!!! His weekly drives to Lamar's McDonald's for his quarter pounders. I've learned that later in life he became more carefree and without filters, and that the whole family got to know him a little better. Of course he told us his hardship stories also. Stories of the war, of losing his parents and siblings, of losing Dorothy. But he remained a steady man, his presence at family reunions were a wonderful blessing; he was always asking about everyone and was always aware of what each member of the family was up to. He always brought chocolate cake to the family reunions. He was a gift to all of us and I was blessed to have known such a wonderful man. I will always remember him driving his fancy red truck, walking in with his suspenders and John Deere hat on, with his "ivory" on, greeting everyone with a great smile and many stories. I have never seen him in a bad mood. Delbert, now you are reunited with the love of your life, Dorothy, and with all of your family members and loved ones that have gone before you. Have a great reunion with all of them and know that you will be greatly missed . We will meet again, and when we hear your soft laugh, your chuckle , and a story teller, we will know and feel that we are back home again. The world, our world, will never be the same without you. Our lives will go on, but our hearts will miss you forever!!!
Christiane