Delbert David Metcalf, “Dub” as he was known to most, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 11, 1948, to Wayne and Ellen Schubert Metcalf in Fort Scott, Kansas, where he remained a life-long resident. Shortly after graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1966, he entered the United States Navy, where he served 3 years overseas as a Navy Yeoman. He would later attend Pittsburg State University, where he successfully completed his bachelor’s degree. On March 2, 1970, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Elaine Sanders, in Miami, OK, and together they raised 3 strong and independent sons.
Delbert began his Social Services Career with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) in August 1975 and he retired from the Kansas Department for Children and Family Services (DCF) in December 2009, having worked in front line benefits determinations from the time food stamps were issued on paper, to supervision in Bourbon and Linn Counties, and the last several years as the head of Operations for the local region. Delbert was active with the Bourbon County Coalition from the late 90’s into his retirement, serving on Task Forces for Domestic Violence, Child Care, Transportation and Housing, and helping to support community agencies like The Beacon, Mother to Mother Ministries, and Network for Families. In his retirement, Delbert returned to DCF as a volunteer, helped with food distribution at The Beacon and assisted the Good Neighbor Action Team with home improvement and repair projects.
“Dub” loved hunting coon, singing and picking the guitar, and telling stories. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Delbert is survived by his sons; Michael Metcalf and his wife Michelle of Leavenworth, KS; Jacob Metcalf and his wife Melissa of Jacksonville, FL; Joshua Metcalf and his wife Sara of Tulsa, OK; four grandchildren, Mitchell Metcalf, Elijah Metcalf, Norah Metcalf, and Jack Metcalf; one brother Michael Metcalf and his wife Debbie of Nevada, MO; one sister Shirley Moberg and her husband Henry of Cotton, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Delbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl, his brother Alvin, Alvin’s wife Linda, and his parents.
Following his cremation, a graveside memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
