Delbert J. Perry, Sr., 84, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at William Newton Hospital.

Born November 12, 1939, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, he was the son of Macy and Alma (Christner) Perry.  He was raised and received his education in Guthrie, graduating from Guthrie High School in 1958.

He was united in marriage to Mary Warren on April 22, 1962, in Newkirk, Oklahoma.  The couple made their first home in Guthrie and Delbert was soon drafted into the United States Army where he was a SP E 4 and later served as a cook. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Guthrie for a short time before the couple moved to Arkansas City, Kansas.  In 1964, they relocated to Winfield and Delbert began a 40-year career with Cessna Aircraft.  He started with Cessna at Strother Field as a mechanic and retired in 2004 as a Supervisor in the Tool Maintenance Department in Wichita.

He was a member of Central Baptist Church and the American Legion.  He enjoyed camping, donating to others, spending time with his grandkids, and was an avid Oklahoma University football and softball fan.  He also loved coaching.  He coached softball, basketball, and baseball, and was proud of leading his Babe Ruth team to an undefeated 26-0 record.  He had passion for his sports and always said he would have played in school if it weren't for helping on the farm.

His family includes his wife Mary Perry of Winfield; his sons, Delbert J. Perry, Jr. of Winfield; Jerald Perry and wife, Cissy of Lawton, OK; his daughter Tammy Shultz and fiancé, Bill Buetow of Winfield; and his 15 grandchildren; Delicia and husband Ron, Megan and husband Jay, Jessica and husband Macey, Edward Perry, Erin and husband Kameron, Alyssa Shultz, Heylee and husband Ryland, Autumn Perry,  Peyton Perry , Bianca Perry,  Lucas, Perry, Harper Perry, Dawson Perry, Braxton Perry and Tucker Perry. And his 11 great grandchildren Chloie, Davon, Daxson, Aiden, Lucas, Brody, Matthew, Mabrey, Ridge, Adaliah and Kohen.

In addition to his parents, Delbert was preceded in death by a daughter Karen, and four siblings, Leola, Eunice, Floyd, and Valda.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, March 4, 2024, at Central Baptist Church in Winfield.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.  A visitation is scheduled at Miles Funeral Service Sunday from 2 to 6 P.M.  The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that afternoon.

A memorial has been established in Delbert's name for the Cowley County Humane Society.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Mr. Perry's funeral service will be live streamed from Central Baptist Church's Facebook page at the following link:

https://fb.watch/qBUY7DpS2D/