Delbert Ross Bodenhamer, 86, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the John Knox Village Care Center in Lee's Summit, MO.

Delbert was born on October 8, 1934 to William Ross and Pearl Dee (Harmon) Bodenhamer at their home east of Farmer's High School in rural Johnson County, MO. In 1953, he graduated from College High School in Warrensburg, MO. He attended Central Missouri State College where he met his wife of 57 years, Kathyln "Kay" J. Baie. They were blessed with three sons, William Clayton, Delbert Lee, and Kenneth Joe. In 2014, he married Joan A. Frantz George, a long time close friend dating back to the 1960s.

Delbert was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He served in the 35 ^th Division of the National Guard, retiring with the rank of Warrant Officer. He worked retail and as a manufacturer's representative in the sporting goods line. He worked in the banking industry for over 30 years, starting as Facility Manager for Citizens Bank of Warrensburg and then for US Bank, from which he retired after 17 years in 2004. After 6 weeks of retirement, he went back to work as Vice President of the Bank of Holden and then Vice President of Business Development at First Central Bank, where he retired for the second time 2016.

He was an active member of Liberty Baptist Church in Fayetteville, MO where he served as Deacon, Moderator, Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Director. When he moved to John Knox Village in 2018, he joined the Lee's Summit Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He served as Moderator for the West Central Baptist Association, serving over 60 churches.

Delbert was involved in many civic activities and groups. He served as Chairman of United Way Campaign in 1987-88, former President of Evening Optimist, and was Treasurer and a founding member of the Johnson County Fair Board. Delbert served on the Missouri Council on Economic Education, the Workforce Development Board, Liberty Cemetery Board, and the Main Street Board in Warrensburg. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Chamber of Commerce. He was active in the Democrat Party, serving as Johnson County Chairman for many years, Treasurer of the 4 ^th Congressional District, and a member of the 121 ^st Legislative District and 31 ^st Senatorial District. Delbert was an active supporter of his beloved Mules and Jennies sports teams at the University of Central Missouri, especially basketball and girls soccer. He loved being "Coach for a Day" of the Jennies soccer team for many years and they always won when he was called "Coach."

Delbert was preceded in death by his first wife Kathlyn "Kay" J. Bodenhamer, son Delbert Lee Bodenhamer, father William Ross Bodenhamer, and brother William Allan Bodenhamer. He is survived by his mother Pearl Dee Bodenhamer, age 105, of Warrensburg, MO; his wife Joan Bodenhamer of the home; sons Clay (Lil) Bodenhamer of Isleton, CA and Kenneth Bodenhamer (Michael Helman) of Cape Coral, FL; sister Betty Joan (Tom) Ford; sister-in-laws Debbie Bodenhamer Matthews and Linda Baie; five step-children and their spouses; 13 step-grandchildren; 28 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Delbert lived an active and meaningful life serving his Lord and Savior, his community, as well as his many friends. He will be missed by his family and friends, but he departs leaving these words to all: "Look down at my lowly grave, if you must, to see. But look up and smile to catch a glimpse of me."

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, MO. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held at Liberty Cemetery in Warrensburg, MO. Services held under the direction of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the John Knox Village Foundation (400 NW Murray Rd., Lee's Summit, MO 64081), Liberty Cemetery in Warrensburg, MO, or the First Christian Church of Warrensburg. These can be left in the care of the funeral home.