Delbert Erickson

Delbert Erickson, a devoted husband, father, educator, coach, farmer, and rancher, passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by loved ones and supported by the compassionate community at Bethany Village in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Born on December 21, 1941, in Atwood, Kansas, Delbert was the son of Paul and Alma Erickson. As a child, he rode his horse to a one-room schoolhouse located where the Herndon Covenant Church now stands. These early years, lived close to the land and shaped by hard work and faith, laid the foundation for a life of integrity and quiet strength.

Naturally strong from years of labor on the farm, Delbert’s physicality served him well when he discovered the sport of wrestling at Atwood High School. He was a four-year wrestler and high school state placer. His strength, discipline, and competitive spirit led to early success on the mat and set the stage for a lifelong passion that would define much of his career.

He went on to compete at Fort Hays State University, where he lettered all four years before graduating in 1965. It was there he met his first love, Roxie Martin, and together they began a shared journey in education and athletics.

Delbert and Roxie taught in several Kansas school districts before settling in Newton, where Delbert led the Newton High School wrestling team to statewide prominence. Under his leadership, the team won back-to-back Kansas 4A State Wrestling Championships in 1973 and 1974, and another championship was won in 1977. Over the course of his Newton coaching career, he achieved a dual meet record of 55-16-1 and coached 61 state qualifiers, including 17 champions—six of whom had undefeated seasons. Many of his wrestlers grew to become coaches themselves and continued the legacy he began. He was inducted into the Newton High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also inducted into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016.

In 1972, Delbert and Roxie welcomed twin sons, Kenyon and Kris. In 1978, the family moved to Oberlin, Kansas, where Delbert continued teaching and coaching while assisting his parents on the family farm. Returning to the land of his upbringing allowed him to reconnect deeply with his agricultural roots, and he continued farming and ranching well into his 70s.

Although Delbert and Roxie later took separate paths in life, they remained connected through family and shared memories.

In 2007, Delbert married Joan Walker. Together, they embraced retirement and split their time between Atwood, Kansas, and the desert landscapes of Arizona. They especially loved camping and relaxing around Lake Havasu. Delbert’s kindness and strength drew them together, and Joan describes him as “The perfect husband…. Well, mostly perfect.” Their care for one another and sense of humor made their marriage a happy union.

In the spring of 2025, Delbert and Joan moved to Lindsborg, Kansas, to reside at Bethany Village. Even as Parkinson’s disease progressed, Delbert remained a source of joy and humor to fellow residents and staff. His wit and warmth never faded. Visitors noted that his humorous comments, aka ”Delbert-isms”, remained strong even when his memory was affected.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Joan Erickson; his sons Kris Erickson (and wife Farah) and Kenyon Erickson (and partner Lara Reid); and four beloved grandchildren—Gavin, Corbin, Christian, and Anna; his sister Dolores Talbert and her children Tim, Becky, and Tami; and Roxie Erickson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Alma Erickson.

Delbert leaves behind not only his extended family, but countless friends, former students, and wrestlers who will long remember his strength, humility, unexpected humor, and steady wisdom.

A celebration of Delbert’s life will be held at the Bethany Home Chapel in Lindsborg, Kansas on May 23rd at 2:30 PM, and June 7th.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Delbert’s memory by supporting your local wrestling program—an enduring tribute to a man who shaped so many young lives on and off the mat.