Funeral services for Delbert Joseph Massey were held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Old Anacoco Baptist Church with Reverend Wayne Chance officiating. The burial followed in Old Anacoco Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Joseph Owen, Joel Owen, Zachary Owen, Cody Branch, Jonathan Hilton, and Boo Davis. The honorary pallbearers were Willard McInnis, Angelo Simmonelli, Caleb Branch, and Jimmy Ray Jinks.
Delbert was born November 21, 1931, in Bellwood, Louisiana and passed away October 3, 2024, at his home in Leesville at the age of 92. He spent his early years in the Kisatchie area as the second child of seven children. After moving with his family to Pickering, he graduated from Pickering High School. Delbert had a tough work ethic, and he worked until he was in his 80’s. First, he worked for 45 years delivering propane gas, then he worked as a landscaper for Green Haven Nursery in Leesville and at Fort Polk. Being outdoors was where Delbert enjoyed being. He raised a garden, landscaped his property, was an avid hunter, and spent many enjoyable moments at his camp on Old River fishing. The thing he enjoyed most was watching his children and grandchildren playing sports.
Delbert was preceded in death by his wives, Ethel Sue Carr Massey and Susan Heneke Massey; daughters, Frieda Sue Owen, Deborah Jo Leslie, and Sherry Marie Cabra; mother, Ethel Norsworthy Massey; father, Middleton “Mid” Massey; and siblings, Maurice Oaks and Bernard Massey.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Mary Branch (Griff), and Dedra Moore (Travis); grandchildren, Angie Davis (Boo), Joseph Owen (Libby), Joel Owen, Jacob Owen, Aaron Leslie, Cody Branch (Marnie), Lindsay Branch, Caleb Branch (Haven), Jonathan Hilton, and Jarret Hilton; twenty-three great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Roland Massey, Rita Massey Byerly, Wayne Massey, and Sanford Massey; and a host of extended family members.
Delbert’s family extends a special thank you to Rhonda & Cathy from Vernon Home Health and Brittany, Linda, & Amanda from Allegiance Hospice.