Delmar Dean Klocke
March 19, 1933 ~ January 17, 2024
Delmar Dean Klocke, 90, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ella Klocke; sons, Kevin Klocke and Kurt Kuhnel; brother, Gerald Klocke; son-in-law, James Borden; grandson, Daniel Heckathorn. Survived by his wife, Mary Klocke; son Robert (Diane) Klocke of Douglass, KS; daughters, Terri Sue Borden of Richland Hills, TX, Carrie (Michael Harris) Campbell of Wichita; grandchildren, Carly Svoboda, Emily McCallum, Catherine Borden, Timm Heckathorn, and Kenny Heckathorn; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (Lavern) Legleiter of Independence, KS; many more family and friends. Delmar was born in Barnes, KS, on March 19, 1933, but grew up in Wichita. He graduated from East High School in 1953. Upon graduating from high school, Delmar joined the United States Navy in 1954 and served on board a ship during the Korean War. After honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Wichita and went to work for Carl Green & Associates, a Wichita consulting engineering firm. He completed his career with Linder & Associates, an electrical contracting firm, where he became managing partner, Vice President, and CEO. After his retirement in 1998 from Linder & Associates, he remained on the board as chair. Delmar had a strong love for the art community in Wichita and served on many boards, including: The Wichita Symphony Board, where he was President three times, he served as President and Treasurer of Music Theatre of Wichita, and served as a board member of WSU College of Fine Arts Advisory Board. Lastly, Delmar helped form the Arts Partners, now known as the Pando Initiative. One of Delmar’s biggest loves was the Wichita Orpheum Theatre, where he served on the board and was Chair of Restoration for 28 years. Over the years, he received many awards for his involvement in the Wichita community, some of which are: The Gordan Evans Award (2007) from the Arts Council, Citizen of the Year Award (2009), Robert G. Braden Award (2012) from the Wichita Symphony, Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Wichita Chapter (2016), Corporate Citizenship Distinctive Community Service Award (2016), and Linder & Associates Recognition Award (2023). In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: The Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway, Ste 102, Wichita, KS 67202; St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67208.Services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 am located at St. James Episcopal Church. The service will be live streamed through the church’s website (click Worship).Services in care of Downing and Lahey Mortuary-East Chapel.
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I always enjoyed working with Delmar on various painting jobs at The Orpheum. He certainly will be missed by all.
Harold Connell
Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Delmar for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy.
Mary, like so many of your friends we just can’t believe that Delmar is gone. We did not know the circumstances until we saw Shoko Sevart at the Art Museum function Saturday night. A dinner you and Delmar might well have attended. Such bad news and such a short time to know it.
We want you to know how much we respected Delmar–and you both–and have enjoyed knowing you. And I no doubt dress more properly thanks to Delmar’s example!
We are glad to read that you have some family nearby to help support you during this difficult time.
We look forward to seeing you at the many cultural events you always supported when you are ready to get out again.
With love,
Fred and Sue Berry