Delbert M. Larson, 81, of Hiawatha, passed on March 6, 2017, at Hiawatha Community Hospital with family by his side. He was born November 13, 1935, one of three children of Fred and Geneva Webb Larson, at Horton, Kansas. He spent his early childhood on farms near Everest and Hamlin, Kansas. He graduated from Hamlin High School in 1953. He attended several colleges throughout his career, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Emporia State University and his Master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

Delbert began his teaching career at Fairview High School, teaching mathematics and science from 1959-1966. He continued his math and science teaching at Hiawatha High School from 1966-1996. He taught part-time at Midway and Doniphan West from 1996-2012. He had a passion for teaching and students, long after his retirement.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha; of NEA and KNEA teaching organizations. He had served with the 2nd BN, 130th FA, Kansas Army National Guard for nearly 10 years.

Delbert was married to Sharon Drozd. Four children were born to this union. They later divorced. He married Patricia Vaughn, August 18, 1973. Two children were born to this union. She survives at the home.

Also surviving are two sons: Gary Larson of Topeka, David Larson of Salina; four daughters: Sherry Jones (Bryan) of Topeka, Angela Thome (Ed) of Murray, Kentucky, Amy Larson of Hiawatha, and Sara Albers (Jeff) of Denton; nine wonderful grandchildren: Jennifer Jones, Joshua (Chelsey) Jones, Allison (Sam) Olker, Melissa Larson, Benjamin Thome, Brendan Larson, Alexander Thome, Emma Albers, and Dylan Albers; four great-grandchildren: Logan, Brooklynn, Isla, and Addison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Della Pyle and Mary Margaret Meyer.

A Celebration of Delbert’s Life is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, March 10, at First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha, with Pastor Jacob Cloud officiating. Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard. Cremation will follow services with private family inurnment at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Thursday where the family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 that evening.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, or toward the Delbert Larson Memorial Scholarship Fund for Hiawatha High School and Doniphan West High School, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com