Delbert Bent — Duker & Haugh

Delbert E. Bent, age 94, of Liberty, IL, died on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Blessing Hospital. He was born on December 8, 1930, in Clayton, IL the son of Orion and Florence (Kirlin) Bent. He married Norma L. Clark on August 24, 1952, in Camp Point, IL. After returning from the Army, he and Norma started farming with her parents, Iven and Edith Clark near Liberty, retiring in 2000. Delbert and Norma’s farming legacy has since been continued by the Don and Diana McCleary family.

Delbert graduated from Camp Point High School in 1948 and attended 3 years of college at Lincoln Bible Institute in Lincoln, IL. Delbert then served in the United States Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of Corporal. Delbert was a realtor with George Mating Realtor Company in Quincy after retiring from farming.

He was a 70-year member of the Liberty American Legion Post# 640. Delbert served on the Liberty School Board from 1960-1966. He was a longtime member of the Liberty Lions Club serving in many capacities, including president.

Currently, Delbert was a faithful member of The Crossing Church in Pike County. For years was an active member of the Liberty Christian Church where he was an Elder, served as a Youth Group Leader establishing the ‘Happy Life Singers’ and often filled in at local churches as a guest preacher. He and his family hosted many missionaries in their home over the years. Delbert joined the Payson Masonic Lodge No. 379 in 1966 and was currently a 32 Degree member.

He played a big role at Quincy Little Theatre helping in many capacities including stage manager building sets, acting, and assisting with the lighting. Among other awards, at QCT he received the Quilta award of outstanding actor 3 years, Technical Award, and Directors Award.

Delbert was inducted into the Liberty Hall of Fame as a Friend of Education in 2011 and an honorary member of the Liberty FHA. Delbert enjoyed taking trips with school clubs and along with Chuck Deverger took the high school science club to southern Illinois and on canoe trips to the boundary waters in Minnesota. Delbert and Norma traveled to all 50 states, visited Europe, took many cruises once passing through the Panama Canal, and various other cruises. He traveled with Goodwin Travel Company and had fun with his friends, Karen and Dennis Goodwin and Phyllis Robertson. Delbert enjoyed local restaurants, Milky’s in Barry, his favorites a “Jeff’s Special” from Gem City Pizzeria & liver and onions from Sprouts.

Delbert was an avid reader of a variety of books. He liked doing jigsaw puzzles and reciting and memorizing poems. His hobbies also included bowling and traveling to tournaments. In his retirement he took up birdwatching and participating in bird counts with the late George Schneider. He volunteered with Blessing HOSPICE and would take patients for boat rides on the family lake. He is especially well known for his distinctive voice and salesmanship on the Oak Furniture Gallery commercials. He especially loved visits from his grand dog miniature poodles ‘Toby’ and ‘Teddy’. Delbert truly loved spending time with his family. They are certain that he is enjoying his reunion with his bride Norma.

Delbert is survived by:
Two children: Charles L. “Chuck” Bent of Liberty, IL and Linda Mathews (Gregory) also of Liberty.
Six grandchildren: Amy Vickers of Liberty, IL, Thomas Bent (Samantha) of Warsaw, IL, David Bent (Jessica) of Liberty, IL, Brett Mathews (Emily) of Camp Point, IL, Lindsay Dugan of Griggsville, IL, and Tyler Mathews (Dr. Jennifer Lee) of San Antonio, TX.
A sister, Betty Balzer of Quincy, and a brother Dale Bent (Margaret) of Lincoln, IL.
11 Great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Delbert was preceded in death by his wife, parents, grandson Alexander Clark Bent, brother Wayne Bent (Nadene), and brother-in-law Kenneth Balzer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. Interment with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #640 will take place at Quincy Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21st from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Pike County Crossing or to Blessing Foundation for Hospice. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.