Delbert N. Engle's Obituary
Delbert Newell Engle, 75, of Centerville, died Monday, February 7, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born September 5, 1935 in Centerville, Iowa. Delbert was the son of Chester Noah ""Budge"" Engle and Evelyn Burdine Jarvis Engle. He grew up on a farm in Udell and graduated from Udell High School in 1953. He married Darlene Barrell in 1955. They had 7 children together; Jack (Melody) Engle of Centerville, Chester (Karen) Engle of Centerville, John (Becky) Engle of Moravia, Colleen Stroud of Centerville, Marlene (Kevin) Williamson of Numa, Don (Mary Jo) Engle of Plano, and Walter Gene Engle, deceased; and 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Delbert united with Hope Richards in 1980. He enjoyed his time with Hope's children, Penny (Larry) Butcher of Centerville, Cindy Conner of Centerville, Russell (Tammy) Richardson of Iowa City, Kathy (Larry) Penington of Hudson, and Carla Woodley of Oskaloosa; and 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Ferne (Walter) Paris of Moravia and Zelda (LeRoy) Fletcher of southern Missouri; and brother Lee (Judy) Engle of Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Clara (John) Brown; son, Walter Gene; grandson, Craig Delbert Engle (son of Chester); granddaughters, Delisha Marie Engle (daughter of Don); Danielle Marie Stroud (daughter of Colleen); and Ginny Faye Wilmot Kelly (daughter of Cindy); great-grandson, Devyn Craig Engle (son of Brandy Engle Allee). Delbert worked for Clarke Coal for 50 years. First, in the coal mine from 1955 until it's closing, then delivering propane until his retirement. In addition, he owned and operated Engle Mobile Home Transportation for 30 years. Hobbies included racing his 1937 Ford and Super-modified that he built in the 1960's. He also liked cruising his 1957 Ford in the Pancake Day Parade. In his younger days, he had a passion for building and riding Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Delbert especially enjoyed sharing a story with anyone lending an ear. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 12, 2011, at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville with Reverend Jack Engle officiating. Burial will follow at Haines Cemetery, Centerville, Iowa. Visitation will be held Friday at the Lange Funeral Home, with the family present 6-8 p.m. that evening. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to the Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.langefh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Delbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Delbert?
Share a story where Delbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Delbert you’ll never forget.
How did Delbert make you smile?