Delmer L. Wilks

Delmer L. Wilks, age 95, of Rose Hill, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025.

Born on June 18, 1929, to Vernon Ray Wilks and LaVon Beatrice Wilks (Hinshaw) in Rose Hill, Delmer remained deeply rooted in his hometown throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of Rose Hill High School, where he earned the nickname “Lefty” as a standout baseball player. His talent led him to attend a Brooklyn Dodgers training camp, but his path changed when he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served his country with honor.

Delmer built a successful 35-year career at Boeing, contributing to the aviation industry with the same dedication he showed in every part of his life. He was an avid outdoorsman, known for his love of fishing and camping, and could always be counted on to know the best spots on El Dorado Lake. A lifelong fan of KU basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs, Delmer never missed a game and cheered with heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Levita Smith, and his grandson Aron Long.

Delmer is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Phyllis; daughters, Glenda (Russ) Long, Laura (Kim) Meyer, and Cheryl (Mike) Barton; siblings, Verna (Carl) Gifford, Ed Wilks, and Jack Wilks; grandchildren, Amy, Kristin (Phillip), Lindsay (Cody), Koltin (Alex), Brittney (Adam), and Austin (Jamie) and great-grandchildren, Stockton, Riggin, Adley, Callie, Will, Thomas, Ben, Macklyn, Miller, Braelynn, and Zane.

A private family service will be held in accordance with Delmer’s wishes.