Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Delbert Rackley Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Delbert Rackley, 88, passed away on July 4, 2025. He was born on June 12, 1937 to Fred and Mamie Rackley in Sand Ridge, MO. He married Mary Alice Wilbanks on September 15, 1956. Together they raised three children, two boys and a girl.
One of the traits Delbert was known for was his use of nicknames. Whether it was Chester, Calhoun, Beaver, Buckle Bill, TN Buck Loner, Killer, Tommy Joe, Dinger & Danger, Cub Shaw, Press Reed, Captain Bad, Shortstack, Bill Joe, Jack, Orville, Shakey Looney, Catfish, Sassafras, Red Squirrel, Eli, Buckshot Bill, the list goes on. Just know that if you got your own nickname, or maybe even a few of them over the years, that you meant something special to him.
Delbert is survived by his children Kevin Rackley (Sandy) and Marta Haden (Mark) and his sister Judy Vangilder. Five grandchildren, CJ Rackley, Jason Rackley, Whitney Byrd (Nathan), Nick Haden and Logan Haden (Jenna). Eight great grandchildren: Lincoln, Levi, Lukas, Harper, Bailey, Matthew, Jace, and Isabella.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his son Craig, his parents, and his siblings Don, Ida Mae, Betty, and Joan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lilly Ridge Cemetery fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Delbert Rackley, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
Clinkingbeard Funeral Home - Gainesville
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
434 Main Street P.O. Box 65, Gainesville, MO 65655
Make a Donation
in Delbert Rackley's name
People and places connected with Delbert
Recent Obituaries
How to support Delbert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Delbert Rackley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
