Delbert Lee Shupe

Delbert Lee Shupe, 80, of Elkville, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Delbert began his life on the family farm in rural Vergennes with his parents. He worked hard on the farm during his youth and was proud when he was able to incorporate Shupe and Sons farms in his later years. He worked for Prairie Farms Dairy in Carbondale for many years. First, he worked inside the plant and later hauling cans of milk to the dairy in his own truck. After retirement, he drove a school bus and drove for Cars, Inc. Delbert had also driven for Centralia Cartage, ANR and ATL. He was a member of the Elkville Baptist Church in Elkville and had been a long-time Sunday School teacher, was a Trustee and started the bus ministry at the church. He was a member of the A-Wa-We-Go Camping Club. Delbert was also a Village of Elkville Board member and a member of the Mason Lodge in DeSoto. He was a Republican Precinct Committeeman and a member of the Elkville Senior Citizen Club.

He was born May 4, 1934 at Murphysboro, Ill., the son of Elvin and Clara (Gerberding) Shupe.

He married Donna Cochran on Oct. 30, 1954 at the Elkville Baptist Church and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Elkville, one daughter - Susie Smith and husband Tom of DeSoto, one son - Allen Shupe and wife Colleen of Du Quoin, one daughter-in-law - Dawn Oestreicher of Elkville, six grandchildren - Sara Fraser, Tyler Smith, Nathan Shupe, Leah Helbig and husband Corey, Danielle Shupe and Erin Shupe, four great grandchildren and one due in August, one sister - Mary Jane Carter of Paducah, Ky. and close friends - Karl and Lois Morgenstern. He also leaves behind a large extended family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son - Eric Shupe.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the Elkville Baptist Church in Elkville with Rev. Scott Slone and Rev. Scott Foster officiating.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Sunday.

Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.

Friends may make memorials to the Elkville Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.