Delbert Lee White, Sr , a brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and fierce leader with a rich and honorable legacy of duty and service as a war veteran and civil servant passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023, at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 89 years old. At the time of his passing, he was enthusiastically preparing for his 90th birthday celebration with friends, family, former colleagues, fellow veterans and his many member association brothers and sisters.

Delbert , fondly known as "Bunky" to his siblings and generations of nephews and nieces, was born in Cherokee, Kansas on April 21, 1933, the second child and first born son of Harold and Agnes White. His parents, sister Emma Boyd, brothers Harold White and Herbert White and his son Delbert Lee White, Jr. all preceded him in death. Delbert married Mae Lee Nicholson on October 22, 1955, and to this union three children were born—a son and two daughters—Delbert, Jr., Sharon and Jenell.

A lifelong devout Catholic, Delbert received Holy Sacrament rites of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and was a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Louis, Blessed Sacrament, Christ the King and St. James parishes. He was an active parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church until his death. Delbert received his primary and secondary education in public schools in Cherokee, Kansas where he played football and baseball for his high school.

Delbert was drafted by the U.S. Army to defend America in the Korean War and proudly served his country from May 11, 1953 until May 10, 1955. He was assigned to the 2nd Airborne Infantry as a Paratrooper within the Grand Army of the Republic.

Delbert was appointed to leadership roles in multiple civic organizations. His lifetime memberships include Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. A food pantry, named in his honor and managed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded through his encouragement and commitment to underserved soldiers.

Delbert served the City of Kansas City, Missouri as a Fireman for over 30 years from October 1960 through December 1990 when he retired as Captain. During his service, Delbert obtained an associate degree in Fire Safety from the Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley. He later received certifications in Fire Science from the University of Missouri's Fire and Rescue Training Institute becoming an arson specialist and expert consultant for investigative legal matters taken to trial.

Delbert enjoyed big game hunting throughout Kansas, Missouri, Montana, and Colorado. He was an avid national park and monument history enthusiast who looked forward to shepherding his children across the country for summer vacations to visit many of those sites.

Delbert is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Lawrence and Midge White, daughters; Sharon Moten and her husband Darren Moten of Chattanooga, TN and Jenell Clark of Dallas, TX, a daughter-in-love Tina Brockman and her husband Dimitri of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren Mackenzie White, Brittanee Williams (Jeffrey), Elise Brown, Lea Brown, Courtney White, Roderick Clark, Jr. (Alexis); great-grandchildren Jayden Miller, Emory Williams and Zara Clark. He also leaves to cherish his memory, Carol Marsh, his loving friend and special companion and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins will mourn his loss.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .