Delbert Hastings

DELBERT HASTINGS

Norway

Delbert D. Hastings, 83, of Norway, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2015, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy 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. 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 Hiawatha; a son, Jeffery (and Sue) Hastings of Cleveland, Ohio; a daughter, Julie (and Mike) Sankot of Walford; and two grandchildren, Emily and Scott Hastings.

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.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Harold and John Hastings.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, with Pastor Jon Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin after 10 a.m. Monday at the chapel, where the family will be present from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. to greet friends and relatives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233 or Norway United Methodist Church, 213 E. Washington St., Norway, IA 52318.