Delbert Orlie Kidwell, 83, died September 2, 2023, at his home. He was born November 11, 1939, in Howell, KS, to Orlie Kidwell and Louetta (Brocher) Kidwell.
Delbert was a graduate of Cimarron High School, Cimarron, KS. He received a Master’s Degree in Education from Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS. Delbert was an instructor in the Vocational Technical Department at Hutchinson High School from 1967 to 1995, retiring with over 28 years of service. In 2002, he became a volunteer for the Kairos Prison Ministry Program.
After his retirement from teaching, he went to work at Howard’s, Inc., Mount Hope, KS, from 1995 to 2005. Working at Howard’s Inc., and coming from a farm background, gave Delbert the opportunity to pursue his passion and love for farming. He enjoyed being able to help a farmer make the most of his resources, especially in the viability and sustainability of keeping equipment and implements in good running order. Delbert had no problems in making friends in the farming community and he even managed to befriend the farmers’ dogs. He did not know a stranger, he had a servant’s heart, and an open spirit. Delbert’s greatest joy in life was being ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren.
On August 7, 1966, Delbert married Sharon Kleweno at the Bison Methodist Church, Bison, KS. They shared over 57 years of marriage.
Delbert will be greatly missed by: his wife, Sharon Kidwell of Hutchinson, KS; daughters, Sandra Condon of Leawood, KS, and Julie (Jeff) Walstrom of Overland Park, KS; four granddaughters; and two grandsons.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and sisters, Dorothy and Margaret Rose.
Private graveside service will be at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, KS. Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2023, with the family present from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial are suggested to Kairos of Kansas, a prison ministry program, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.