Delbert Pierce

Delbert Pierce, 87, of Dale, passed peacefully into eternal rest on June 12, 2026 at Scenic Hills at the Monastery in Ferdinand.

Delbert was born April 15, 1939, in Horse Creek, Illinois, to Gale Martin and Mary Doris (Byars) Pierce and was raised on a farm in southern Illinois, where he learned the values that would guide him throughout his life. The lessons of farm life—hard work, determination, and taking pride in a job well done—remained with him throughout his years.

Delbert’s career reflected that strong work ethic. As a young man, he served in the National Guard. He was employed with Precision National Corporation, and later went on to own and operate his own hog farm during the 1960s and 1970s. His career included being Superintendent at Energy Supply, many years as a union heavy equipment operator, and excavation work with Tom Shelton. No matter the role, Delbert was respected as a dependable worker who understood the value of honest labor.

Delbert never lost his connection to his farming roots. An avid collector of toy tractors, he enjoyed sharing his collection and stories with anyone who appreciated farming and agricultural history. His collection reflected a lifelong appreciation for farming and the way of life that shaped him.

In 1960, Delbert married Peggy Chambliss, and together they welcomed two children, Steve and Lisa. After spending much of his life in Illinois, Delbert eventually settled in Dale, Indiana, where he met Marcia, the love of his life. Delbert and Marcia were married on August 17, 1979, blending their families and beginning a partnership that would span 46 years.

After retiring in his 50s, Delbert embraced the next chapter of life wholeheartedly. He and Marcia spent decades traveling the United States, often loading up their camper and setting out on the open road in search of new places to explore. They especially enjoyed spending winters in Sebring, Florida, where they were snowbirds for more than 30 years and formed many lasting friendships.

When they weren’t traveling, Delbert and Marcia enjoyed sitting on their porch swing or tending their summer garden. Delbert especially loved the simple pleasures of country life and was known to salt a freshly picked onion and eat it like an apple.

Delbert is survived by his children, Steve (Sheila) Pierce of Dale, Indiana, and Lisa (Kevin) Lowery of Bluford, Illinois; and by the family he shared with Marcia, Linda (Mike) Hoover of Cleveland, Ohio, David Harris of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and Dennis (Stephanie) DellaMorta of St. Johns, Florida; sister Kaye Buretz of Mt. Vernon IL; sister-in-law Judy Pierce, Olney, IL. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Marcia Joan Pierce; his parents, Gale Martin and Mary Doris (Byars) Pierce; and his brother, Wilford Pierce; brother-in-law George Buretz.

Delbert will be remembered as a hardworking man who valued self-reliance, loyalty, and the simple pleasures of life. Whether operating heavy equipment, admiring a prized toy tractor, tending a garden, enjoying a fresh-picked onion, or exploring the country with Marcia in their camper, he approached life with determination and quiet strength. While those who knew him will miss him deeply, there is comfort in knowing he is reunited once again with Marcia, holding hands and sitting on a porch swing.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 15th at 1:00 EDT at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday at Becher Funeral Home from 11:00 AM EDT until time of services. Sierra Schipp and Marty Mills will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made at www.becherfuneralhome.com