Robert Edward Delph was born on December 22, 1940, in Faulkner County, Arkansas, the sixth child of the late Earnest Delph Sr. and Parthenia Fields Delph. He was preceded in transition by his brothers Earnest Delph Jr., Cecil Delph, Jefferson Delph, and Homer Delph, and by his sister, Mary Osler. Robert departed this life on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the age of 85.

Robert’s family made Menifee, Arkansas, their home, and he attended Conway Training School, now known as Eastside (Menifee) High School. His love of basketball led him to join the school team. Robert accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Menifee, Arkansas.

As a child, Robert spent much of his time with his older brothers and learned farming and fishing from his Uncle Sam Veasley. He also enjoyed his mother’s home-cooked meals and delicious desserts.

After leaving Arkansas to pursue new opportunities, Robert began his career in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked as an elevator operator at the historic luxury Shoreland Hotel in Hyde Park. When his mother became ill, he returned to Arkansas to care for her. He later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to continue building his career, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Joann Grider, through his brother Homer Delph and sister-in-law Virginia Delph. Their bond endured until heaven reclaimed her on July 18, 2022.

They married on June 28, 1963, and moved to Denver, Colorado, where they built a life filled with travel, shopping, church activities, dining out, and time with friends and family. Their love for family grew with the birth of their children, Kristel Delph (Jefferson), Brian Delph, and Kelly Delph, whom they raised together in Denver.

Mr. Delph was devoted to providing for his family. He and Joann lived and worked in Colorado until retirement. For more than 20 years, he worked as an iron welder for General Ironworks in Englewood, Colorado, until the company closed. He was offered a position with IBM in Boulder, Colorado, but chose not to accept it because the distance would have taken him too far from his family. Instead, he worked for The Denver Wonder Bread bakery until his retirement in 2003.

Robert and Joann shared their lives serving the Lord. They were faithful members of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Denver, Colorado and later moved their membership to King Baptist Church, Denver, Colorado. Robert was a member of the Men’s Music Ministry.

In his free time, Robert enjoyed fishing, playing basketball and softball, cooking, grilling, and spending time with family. He also loved collecting cars, working on home improvement projects, and watching his favorite teams: the Arkansas Razorbacks, Denver Broncos, and Denver Nuggets.

Robert departed from this life on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the age of 85. The memory of his life will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who loved him. Those left to cherish him and mourn his memory include daughters, Kristel R. Jefferson (Eric Jefferson), Kelly M. Delph, his son, Brian E. Delph, three grandsons, Michael D. Jefferson, Christopher K. Jefferson (Kiley Jefferson), David E. Jefferson, brothers-in-law, Calvin Forrest, Dennis Forrest, Reginald Hammons, Sr. (Marcella V. Hammons), sisters- in- law, Virginia Delph, Bennette Rowlette, Sandra Forrest, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.