An informal graveside service of death and resurrection was held on September 14, 2024, at the Bayard Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the Bayard American Legion (Post 200).

Online condolences may be made by viewing Delbert’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome. com.

Delbert was born February 3,1952, to Kenneth and Esther Fowler of Bayard. He shared his birthday with twin sister JoAnn. Ken joked to their older children that now Tom had a baby brother and Mary Lou had a baby sister, since twins were not expected.

All four siblings experienced growing up and working in the longtime community hub, the Fowler Cafe.

Delbert graduated from Bayard High School in 1970 and then received his Associates of Science degree from Nebraska Western College.

Delbert worked predominantly for Western Sugar in Bayard and finally in Scottsbluff, from which he retired. He also worked for Startzer Electric and Control for several years. Delbert married Linda Stoddard to which union one son, Matt, was born.They later divorced.

Delbert was especially active in the Bayard community through its American Legion. His gifts for cooking, baking, and serving meals were shared with many. He found great joy in being outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping, and a general interest in nature.

He was a friend to everyone he met and showed his care through generosity and service. He had a beautiful voice, displaying it most often to the passing fenceposts driving down dusty roads.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Esther; brother-in-law, Dana Kawaguchi; and friend Mary Bayless.

Delbert is survived by son Matt (Sarah) Fowler of Kearney; three grandchildren, Noah, Mara, and Judah; siblings Tom and Linda of Omaha, NE, Mary Lou and Scott Lovelace of Florence, AL, and JoAnn Kawaguchi of Mitchell, NE; many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.