Delbert Henry York

Delbert Henry York, 83, of Shawneetown, Illinois, died peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2013, at his home with his wife and family by his side.  He was born on June 19, 1929 in Enfield, Illinois, the son of Earl and Bertha (Nelson) York. He graduated as valedictorian from Enfield High School in 1947. Following graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the US Army during the time of the Korean Conflict. He was a 50-year member of the Shawneetown American Legion Post #585.  For many years Delbert was a local station agent for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, subsequently he was the business manager for Galmon Lumber of Shawneetown, and later the administrator of Loretta Nursing Home in Shawneetown from which he retired in 1995.   He married Mary Jo Mitchell on July 20, 1954. They have made Shawneetown their home since 1963 where they are members of St. Kateri Catholic Parish (formerly St. Mary). The couple has served the church in varied roles including many years of service on the Southeast Deanery PreCana Team, the Cursillo Group, and as Associates of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent.  Delbert is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; son, Mark (Nadine) York of Equality, IL; son, Pat (Mary) York of Omaha, IL; daughter, Anita (Marc) Isaacs of Evansville, IN; daughter, Denise (Scott) Luckett of Junction, IL; son, Mike (Ginger) York of Carrier Mills, IL; 22 grandchildren; Emily, Ella and Gareth York; Jake, Andrea, Danielle, Nicole, Thomas and Eric York; David, Alex (Alli), Michael and Kyle Isaacs; Rachael (Jason) Gourley, Jessica (Tom) Freebourn, Blake (Shana) Luckett, Elaina (Jacob) Shoulders, and Mary Abigail Luckett; Kate, Hannah, Colin and Phillip York, and two great-granddaughters, Isabelle and Gabrielle Freebourn; two brothers, Bob York of Enfield, IL, and Bill (Connie) York of Fairfield, IL; two brothers-in-law, Bernie (Marie) Mitchell of Enfield, IL, and Tom Hannigan of Jacksonville Beach, FL; five sisters-in-law, Ruth York of Fairfield, IL, Nina York of Enfield, IL, Frances York of Carmi, IL, Ruth Mitchell of Dahlgren, IL, Helena Luster of Denton, TX; special friends, Jimmy McLain of Shawneetown and Bill & Marla Wood and family of Norris City; many nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends. A special thanks goes out to Donna Mack for her tender care throughout Delbert’s illness.  Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bertha York; three brothers, Harold, Edward, and Gilbert (twin brother); parents-in-law, Leo and Cora Mitchell; one granddaughter, Samantha Luckett; five brothers-in-law, Paul Mitchell, Wilford Mitchell, Gene Mitchell, John Mitchell and Don Luster; and five sisters-in law, Ann Hannigan, Agnes Mitchell, Gertrude Mitchell, Virginia Mitchell, and Judy York.  Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. April 7, 2013  at St. Mary Chapel in Shawneetown with a Mass of Christian Burial Monday, April 8, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Chapel.  Father Steven Beatty will be officiating.  Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery in Enfield at 2 p.m.  with military rites by Ridgway American Legion Post #596 .  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Gallatin County Food Pantry.  Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown in charge of arrangements.  Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com .