Elton Dilbeck

Elton D. Dilbeck, of Roswell, left this world on September 8, 2012 to be with his wife Eleanor who preceded him in death on January 5, 2012. Anything he accomplished in this life was because of Eleanors love and sacrifice. Elton and Eleanor celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on December 25, 2011.

Elton Dilbeck was born on June 13, 1920 in Rocky Washita County, Oklahoma to W.Z. and Mary Ellen Dilbeck. They have both preceded him in death. He was educated in the Rocky School System. He graduated in 1938, and was the first graduate who had a parent to attend all 12 years in their schools, since his mother graduated in 1918. He lettered in basketball and baseball in high school, and was on the debate team. He also had the male lead in all four years of school plays. He was valedictorian of his senior class and played piano accompaniment for Glee Clubs.

He then went on and graduated from Oklahoma AM in 1942 as Magna Cum Laude. He was also on the Crops Judging Team. His greatest honor came when he began his preaching ministry on Mothers Day of 1939. He preached last two years at Ripley, Oklahoma while at Junior and Senior at Oklahoma AM. He turned down a Federal Grain Inspectors Job for a 25.00 a week pulpit position.

On December 25, 1941, he married Eleanor Trompler in Rocky, Oklahoma. He did his graduate studies at Pepperdine University while preaching in San Pedro, California.

He served as Director of Activities for youth camps in Colorado, Louisiana, Arizona, and New Mexico. He was named Whos Who in Colorado and Whos Who in Western States. He was also named Citizen of the month in Aurora Colorado. He moved to Roswell on February 1, 1977.

He preached for churches while living in Oklahoma, California, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. He also served as guest evangelist from Manhattan, New York to San Diego California, to Panama City, Florida to Portland, Oregon and everywhere in between. He spoke at Lectureships for Oklahoma Christian University, Harding University, Pepperdine University, Ft. Worth Christian College, Magic Valley Christian College, Columbia Christian College, and a number of such studies with different churches.

He enjoyed doing missionary work in Central and South America, Greece, Italy, and India. One of his greatest experiences was when he preached in Jerusalem and Rome.

He was also a staff writer for Power for Today, a devotional guide published in Nashville, Tennessee.

He served the communities where he lived and was a part of the American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way, ENMUR Advisory Council, Roswell Commission on Aging. He was also the chaplain at St. Marys Hospital and the Director Pastoral Care at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center for many years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club for over 40 years, and was president of his Kiwanis clubs in Aurora, Colorado and Roswell, New Mexico. He served as Vice President of his club in Fort Worth, Texas and was presidentelect when he moved to Colorado. At the age of 85, he sold 800 tickets for Roswell Pancake Festival in 2006.

He is survived by one son: Robert Dilbeck of Roswell one daughter: Donna Dilbeck of Park City, Montana two granddaughters, five greatgrandchildren, two greatgreat grandchildren, as well as Lisa Ridley of Wisconsin who held a special place in Eleanor and Eltons hearts.

Those who loved Elton would like to thank Villa Del Rey and Vista Care Hospice for the loving care they gave him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Mexico Christian Childrens Home: 1356 N.M. 236, Portales, N.M. 881309411

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Country Club Road Church of Christ. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery.

Service

Funeral Service

Country Club Rd Church of Christ
700 W Counrty Club Rd
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, September 15, 2012
10:00 A.M.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

1356 NM 236
Portales, NM  88130-9411