Delbert Williams |
| Posted 2009-10-13 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Sunday, July 19, 2009 Delbert Williams, 71, a life-long resident in Flagstaff, died Friday, July 17, 2009. Delbert was born in the Hopi village of Moencopi in his grandparents home, where he spent his early years learning the ways and teachings of his Hopi culture. He then moved to Flagstaff to be with his mother and sister. He began his education at Emerson Elementary and had perfect attendance from third through sixth grades. At the same time, he began selling the daily newspaper on the streets at the age of 8. At age 11, he sold the most newspapers out of all the boys for that year and won a brand new bicycle. He went on to attend Flagstaff High School, where he excelled in what was to become a life long passion: Basketball. He graduated in 1957, but not before he and his fellow Eagles basketball team took the Arizona State Championship, for which still holds the record for winning a state championship for high schools here in Flagstaff. After graduation he went on to attend Northern Arizona University and then Arizona State College for three and a half years before he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served the country for a two-year tour from June 1961 to 1963. Along with watching his beloved NBA (go Suns), Delbert was often seen by the family doing his crossword puzzles or doing his leather crafting on the couch while grandma watched soap operas. On holidays, with a family largely populated with females, he often patiently listened to the constant chatter until he had enough and went into the living room to watch basketball and football games or just sports in general. Another favorite pastime was listening to his 1960s and '70s classic country western music, and he could do a dead-on impression of Hank Williams that his many nieces used to make him sing over and over. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Humetewa, and his sister, Eunice Nicks, both of Flagstaff; his sister, Vera Noble of Phoenix; six nieces; six great-nephews; and eight great-neices. He was preceded in death by his father, Bert Williams, and his nieces, Terri and Robyn Nicks. A graveside service will be held by Norvel Owens Mortuary and the American Legion at the Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, July 22, at 10 a.m., with a reception following at the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints on E. Linda Vista Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com. |
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