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Delbert Doyce Pape ‘Delby’, 69, passed away Friday, 11 September 2020, at his residence in Baytown, TX, where he resided for the past 12 years.

Delby was born 22 January 1951 in Hillsboro, TX to Raymond and Verba (Jones) Pape. He was a 1969 graduate of San Angelo Central High School, married his sweetheart Linda Ward of Barksdale, TX on 5 June 1971. He later enlisted in the US Air Force (USAF) and graduated as a radar maintenance technician. Over the next eight years Delby worked additional jobs while attending night school until he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Chapman College. After obtaining his degree he was accepted to the Air Force’s Officers Training School (OTS) program and earned his commission as an officer in 1980. Delby continued to faithfully serve as an officer for fourteen years while earning his master’s degree in public administration from Oklahoma University. After 22 total years in the Air Force he retired with the rank of Major in 1992 out of Dyess Air Force Base, in Abilene, TX.  Just prior to retiring he served in support of Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm and then worked for Child Protective Services before finding his civilian calling as a teacher.  He taught at Abilene Wylie ISD for eight years, Goose Creek CISD for three years and retired from the civilian workforce in 2012.  After traveling around the globe with his wife, Linda, for two years he re-entered the civilian workforce as a substitute teacher and was offered a full-time position at Deer Park ISD where he worked for the past six years.  He loved working with special needs and at-risk students. Additionally, he enjoyed reading to expand his knowledge, playing checkers to stay mentally active, painting to be creative, and making memories with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

Delby was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Verba Pape, brother-in-law Donald Mauldin, and nephews Shane Wilson and Patrick Pape.  He is survived by his lovely wife of 49 years:  Linda Pape (Ward), his 5 children:  Peter Pape and wife Christina, Lisa Choate (Pape) and husband Brian, Andy Pape and wife Rona, Jace Pape, and Ben Pape and wife Crystal.  Additionally, Delby is survived by his siblings:  Delores Mauldin, Wesley Pape and wife Sharon, Raymond Pape and wife Sandra, Sharita Russell, Jack Pape, and Eddie Pape and wife Mary, 13 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 18 September, 2020, and the funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, 19 September, 2020. Both services will be held at Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home Chapel and the Funeral will be livestreamed.