Thomas Michael Delby's Obituary
The Chicago cowboy has taken his final ride. Thomas Michael Delby Sr., 84, of Kenney, IL passed away peacefully at home on November 18, 2023.
He was born in Chicago, IL on November 8, 1939 to Ralph and Gladys Delby. Tom was a talented artist, a passionate chef, a skilled
builder, a devoted Catholic, a creative entrepreneur, a wonderful father, and the most present Papa. Most of his career was spent managing his own businesses including; Tom and Jerry’s, a sign painting company; and two window businesses: Thermal Seal and Thermal Guard. He later went on to teach sales, where he met his wife, Rebecca, of Midland City, IL.
He traded in his 3 piece suit for a pair of jeans and cowboy boots and moved from Chicago to Kenney when he and Becky said their vows on August 17, 1985. Soon after, his final business adventure Dreamland Stables was born.
Tom was the proud father to Mary Jo (John) Beranek, Jack (Elizabeth) Delby, Thomas (Amy) Delby Jr., Debbie (Paul) Miller, William Delby, Nick Delby, Savannah (Aaron) Riegler, and Brittany (Brent) Houser.
Although Tom had many titles, his favorite was Papa. He was blessed to have 15 grandchildren/step grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren/step grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, 3 brothers: Ralph, Ronald & Robert, 3 sisters: Virginia, Noreen & Mary, and a daughter. Surviving family members include: his wife, his 8 children, one sister-in-law, Linda Delby, and many nieces/nephews.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
And this is where the cowboy rides away.
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