Delbert D Hastings
Delbert D. Hastings
Delbert D. Hastings
March 7, 1931 – January 21, 2015
Norway, Iowa | Age 83
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Delbert D. Hastings, 83, of Norway, died Tuesday, January 21, 2015 at the Mercy Hospice House in Hiawatha. He was born Saturday, March 7, 1931 near Eddyville, the son of Robert and Deanie Smith Hastings.
Delbert and his two younger brothers grew up on a farm near Lovilia. He graduated from Lovilia High School in 1949.
Following high school graduation, Delbert served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Sergeant, and received a Bronze Star for his service.
Upon his return from the Army, Delbert attended Simpson College where he earned his bachelor’s degree. On June 3, 1956, Delbert was united in marriage to Barbara Malloy in Oskaloosa.
Following their marriage, Delbert and Barbara moved to Norway, Iowa, and Delbert began a 35 year teaching career in the Norway Community School District, and taught junior high Science for many of those years.
Delbert was a very talented carpenter and woodworker, and built and renovated many homes in Norway. Through his teaching and carpentry work, he had a positive impact on many families in Norway.
He was a very active member of the Norway United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and served on almost every church committee.
He was a devoted father and grandfather, and was very involved with his two grandchildren, traveling to Cleveland for weeks at a time to spend quality time with them.
Following his retirement in 1990, Delbert started a woodworking business, “Grandpa’s Workshop”. In 1994, he was in an automobile accident which resulted in his loss of vision, forcing him to retire from woodworking.
With the loss of eyesight, he could no longer do the hobbies that he loved, but enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his soul mate and loving wife of over 58 years, Barbara, who served as his ‘eyes’, and the two were virtually inseparable.
His family includes his wife, Barbara Hastings of Norway; a son, Jeffery (& Sue) Hastings of Cleveland, Ohio; a daughter, Julie (& Mike) Sankot of Walford, Iowa; and two grandchildren: Emily and Scott Hastings.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers: Harold and John Hastings.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 26, 2015 at 11 A.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Jon Nelson officiating.
Burial will be in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa.
Visitation will begin Monday after 10 A.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present at the funeral chapel Monday from 10 A.M. until the service time at 11 A.M. to greet friends and relatives.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercy Hospice, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233 or the Norway United Methodist Church, 213 E. Washington St., Norway, Iowa 52318.
