Delbert L. Ebersole of Wichita passed away Thursday, Feb. 1, after battling declining health problems.

He was born Oct. 10, 1943, in Wichita to Leo and Ada (Smiley) Ebersole. On Oct. 24, 1969, he married the love of his life, Gayle Ann Morton.They have two daughters, Kimberly and Valoree.

Along with his father, he learned the joy of collecting rocks and turning them into beautiful jewelry and collectibles. Delbert graduated from Goddard High School in 1961, after which he enlisted in the Navy. He learned to work as an electrician onboard the USS Salisbury Sound.

After his honorable discharge in 1964 he came home to run the Rock Shop, and his dad traveled to rock shows around the country while Delbert produced a catalog of their supplies to boost sales into the areas where Leo was traveling. This grew the business into one of the largest lapidary supply sources in the country. He also was a member of Wichita Gem and Mineral Society for more than 50 years.

Del always enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs play football and the Goddard Lions play football and basketball. He loved being an usher at church and passing out bulletins, always with a smile or a joke.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leonard Ebersole. Delbert is survived by his wife, Gayle Ann Ebersole; daughters, Kimberly (Roger) Elkins, and Valoree (Zeb Cosby) Ebersole; sister, Carolyn (Steven) Hendryx; brother, Marvin (Patricia) Ebersole; and grandchildren, Skyler Mumford and Levi (Alexis) Elkins.

Visitation for Delbert will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First Church of the Brethren. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren, 1103 N. Jefferson, Wichita.

Services are entrusted to Resthaven Mortuary, Wichita.