Delbert Keith Estes

March 27, 1931 - March 9, 2019

Delbert Keith Estes, age 87, of Crawfordsville, Iowa, passed away on March 9, 2019, at his residence. He was born on March 27, 1931, at home in Ollie, the son of John and Effie Mae (Knight) Estes. He was the youngest of fourteen children. His father passed away in 1947, when Delbert was around 16 years old. After his father’s death, he stayed with Bernidene and Verne Mason and got a job at Commercial Soluvents, where he worked from 1940 – 1956. Delbert was drafted into the Army on September 15, 1952 during the Korean Conflict. He received the division’s award for the highest marks for his marksmanship at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky. He proudly served his country until June 23, 1954. He was united in marriage to Deanna Winn on June 28, 1962, in Pekin, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Alisha and Scott. Delbert worked in heavy construction for Kaser Construction, was self-employed as a welder and trucker, and owned and operated Locust Hill Elder Group Home in Knoxville, Iowa, from 1994-2000. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved the songs, “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy”, “Rise Again”, and all big band music. Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Deanna; children, Alisha Conrad and Scott Estes; six grandchildren, Nichalous and Sawyer Luke, Kylie Conrad, and David, Kaylee, Jeremiah, Nathan, Lovtee, and Mary Estes; also four great-grandchildren, Justice and Stratton Luke, and Macy and Easton Luke. Delbert is preceded in death by his parents; and thirteen siblings, Walter, Frank, Cecil, Orville, Lloyd, Floyd, Earnie, Guy, Edna, Bernidene, Beatrice, Beulah, and Emma.