Delbert Cripe

Delbert Cripe, 93, of Columbia City, passed away on June 1, 2025, at Miller's at Oak Pointe. He was born in Fowler on April 14, 1932, to the late Earnie and Bertha (Zolman) Cripe; he spent his formative years in Whitley County. As a proud veteran of the United States Army, Delbert served his country from June 30, 1949, to November 1, 1952. He was a dedicated laborer in the steel manufacturing industry, retiring from Slater Steel in 1994. His work ethic was surpassed only by his love for his wife of nearly 70 years, Shirley Cripe, whom he married on November 7, 1956. In his retirement, Delbert found great joy in his hobbies. He was an avid gardener, a skilled woodworker, and enjoyed road trips and traveling. He had a keen eye for beauty, often reflected in his collection of jewelry. His woodworking projects, which ranged from beautiful bowls to intricate clocks, were always gifts given away, a testament to his generous spirit. Delbert is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Delbert Cripe, Rex Cripe, and Jennifer Cripe; bonus daughter, Margaret (Ben) Strack; 12 grandchildren, Christopher (Molly) Cripe, Abbey Jo (Tyler) Bickhart, Bobbi (Keith) Doyle, Joshua (Samantha) Cripe, Kim Cripe, Timothy (Cortney) Cripe, Bradley (Xochh) Cripe, Camden McCandless, Silas Cripe, Zachary (Amanda) Ducey, and Justin (Samantha) Ducey; 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Vera Lucille Dodd, Opal Johnston, Elizabeth Boggs, Dorothy Dodd, Mildred Brumbaugh, Margaret Striegle, Beverly Summers, Eugene Cripe, Edgar Cripe, Earnie V. Cripe, Alfred Cripe, Robert Cripe, Charles Cripe, and two infant sisters, Lily Mae and Mary Francis. A graveside service with military honors will be held for Delbert on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.