Delbert Leroy Tunks, age 93 years. Longtime Great Bend resident, passed away on June 5, 2024 at River Bend Assisted Living in Great Bend. Delbert was born on July 24, 1930 in Grant Township, Washington County, Kan. to Leroy Leslie “Roy” and Bessie Marie (Ryser) Tunks. He graduated from Belleville High School in Belleville, Kan. in 1947 and was united in marriage to Norma L. Nolind on April 2, 1950 at Belleville. The couple lived in Montgomery, Ala. and various other locations including Kansas City, Kan. (for 15 years) and Baton Rouge, La. prior to moving to Great Bend in December of 1973. Delbert was an arborculturist for Davey Tree Expert Company for 45 years prior to his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, woodworking, and going to the Great Bend Senior Center for as long as he was able. Delbert loved his family and looked forward to the gathering of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He could tell so many stories with his extraordinary memory that recalled his and his siblings’ childhood of living at his paternal grandparents rock house after their mother passed away in 1940. Many times of making homemade ice cream and on a couple of occasions his son and a grandson actually broke the axe handle while breaking up ice – these are just two examples of the many stories he recalled of his childhood. Many friends and acquaintances commented on how much they enjoyed hearing his stories also.  

The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care from the fine friends and staff at River Bend Assisted Living during Delbert’s nearly three years of living there.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen (Don) Magill of Kansas City, Kan. and Kathy (Tim) Miller of Great Bend; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Matthew, Michael, Douglas, Michelle, Becky, and Shelly; and 10 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.  Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Norma Lee Tunks in 2018; one son Gene Tunks in 2017; two brothers Denzel and Derwin Tunks; and a sister Gail.

Cremation has been chosen. Private family inurnment will be held at Hawks Cemetery near Cuba, Kansas at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. Charter Funerals of Great Bend is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Charter Funerals

2115 Washington St

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 11, 2024