Delbert David "Arky" DePreist passed away Thursday, September 6, 2012 in the Moweaqua Nursing Home, where he went to be with the Lord.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 29th at 11:00 am in Pleasant View Cemetery, Assumption.

Delbert was born September 20, 1927 in The Promised Land Community, Trumann, Arkansas. He was the son of E.A. and Winnie Mae DePreist. He married Bertha Hamilton in Harrisburg, Arkansas and moved to Illinois where he spent most of his life farming for Dick and Janet Branyan in Assumption.

Delbert and his wife raised two sons Stanley & Donnie. Later in life they extended their love and family life to Patty Bridgman and her family. He loved his family and friends with a great passion and he felt the same about farming. Always with a smile he loved to tease and was a great joy to so many even to the end.

He is survived by, Patty Bridgman of Decatur, one brother, Austin DePreist of Arkansas and three sisters, Novella Tharp of Jonesboro, AR, Arzella Sweat of Cherokee Village, AR and Delcie Hathcoat of Jonesboro, AR, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his family he wished it to be known he thanked the Branyan family, Al & Ann Oliger, the staff at the nursing home (especially Deanna Shuck and Frank Lay), his church family and so many others for their love, support and kindness during his long illness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two sons Stanley DePreist and Donnie DePreist, parents and seven sisters.

Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua has been entrusted with care and service arrangements.