Delbert Dean Inloes, 92, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, KS. He was born on June 15, 1932, in Quinter, KS, to Archie and Helen (Williams) Inloes. Delbert was united in marriage to LaVonne Kline on October 14, 1951, in Quinter, KS, and they shared two decades together until her passing on October 28, 1971. He later found love again with Dorothy (Lauver) Huber, whom he married on November 9, 1973. Their devoted union lasted until her passing on December 14, 2019.
Delbert grew up during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, formative years that shaped his resilience and work ethic. As a child, his parents draped wet sheets over his crib to shield him from the relentless dust storms. He recalled one particularly fierce storm when his father, caught mid-milking, grabbed him by the suspenders with one hand while clutching a milk bucket with the other, took off running to shelter.
A proud patriot, Delbert served in the United States Army from September 22, 1954, to September 17, 1956, as a Light Anti-Aircraft Artillery Fire Control Crewman. Rising to the rank of Corporal, he held a specialized technical skill and was honored with the Good Conduct Medal. He was a dedicated member of the Church of the Brethren and the Grainfield American Legion Post #301, where he found camaraderie and purpose in serving his community.
Education was important to Delbert, and many days he diligently walked 1.5 miles each day to the Bloomfield Country School, a one-room schoolhouse serving first through eighth grade. He achieved perfect attendance, a testament to his dedication and discipline. He later went on to graduate from Quinter High School with the Class of 1950.
Delbert found immense joy in the outdoors. Whether meticulously tending his lawn—one of the finest in town—gardening, or pulling weeds late into the evening, he took pride in maintaining his surroundings. He had a deep appreciation for nature and was especially fond of birdwatching, caring for purple martins and wrens with thoughtfully maintained birdhouses and a heated birdbath. His passion for beautification extended beyond his home; he even planted trees in the city park and his own yard.
A skilled painter, Delbert honed his craft alongside his father-in-law, painting and hanging wallpaper. His career led him to Ideal Industries and later to Flex-King, which became QuinStar, where he dedicated over 30 years of service. In his later years, he embraced his artistic talents in a new way, finding comfort in coloring while residing in the nursing home.
Delbert is survived by his son, Ronald Inloes of Quinter, KS; his daughter, Marcheta (Steve) Smith of Quinter, KS; his grandchildren, Brandon Smith (fiancé Kat Spangenberg), LaVonne Inloes (T.J. LaRue), and Daniel Inloes; step-grandchildren Shane (Karlene) Douglas, Lucas (Alicia) Douglas, April Douglas, Seth Bogart, Kassie Wilson (Eric Hinson), Tyler (Whitney) Flora, Ryan (Natasha) Flora, and Emily "Betsy" Ayers; his sister, Marlene Wright of Hays, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Helen Inloes; his wives, LaVonne and Dorothy Inloes; his stepdaughters, Jeanette Douglas, Jeannie Fiene, and Janelle Huber; his step-grandson-in-law, Matthew "Mat" Ayers; his sister, Lola Rash; and his brother-in-law, Tom Wright.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant St., Quinter, KS. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m., with burial at Baker Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital Long-Term Care or Church of the Brethren. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.