Delbert Vernon Whaley

Delbert Vernon Whaley, 84, of Ulysses, KS, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the Regent Park Assisted Living in Wichita, KS.

Delbert was born on April 6, 1937, to Herschel and Gertrude (Holman) Whaley in Pueblo, CO. He graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1955. Delbert attended Cowley County College, where he received his associate’s degree in engineering.

On August 9, 1959, he married the love of his life, Kay Merritt, in Ulysses, KS. They were married for 62 years. The couple made their home in Wichita and Arkansas City while working for Wickham Glass Company. They moved to Ulysses, KS, in 1969, where Delbert co-owned the Merritt Oil Company Phillips 66 station with Tom Merritt.

Delbert enjoyed trapshooting, woodworking, and golfing. The most important things in his life were his relationship with Jesus and his family. He was instrumental in starting the Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses. He served as their song leader, teacher, treasurer, and deacon.

Survivors include his wife Kay Whaley; son Tim Whaley and wife Becky of Derby, KS; daughter Sarah VanZandt and husband Alan of Midlothian, TX; daughter Amy Curry and husband Craig of Wichita, KS; siblings: Charles Whaley; Mary Cardenas; Larry Whaley; Linda Reazin; brothers-in-law: Ray Kile; Galen Noble; grandchildren Heather, Briana, Bethany, Brandon, Ella, and Coltrane; and great-grandson Cullen.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; brother David Whaley; sisters Judy Kile and Jana Noble; grandson Matthew VanZandt; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 1:30 PM at Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses with Pastor James Berry officiating. Visitation will be Monday, August 9, 2021, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM with family present from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Graveside service will be Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 10:30 AM at Bethany Cemetery in Perth, with Reverend Sam Bynum officiating. The service will also be live streamed on Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorial contributions may be given to Amazing Grace Children’s Home, Mexico, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.