Delbert L. Sadler

Delbert L. Sadler of Oriole, Indiana, passed away at home, living just as he always wanted, on December 9, 2025. 

He was born June 25, 1946, in Dearborn, MI, a son of the late Aubrey and Mildred (Pate) Sadler, and was also preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Sadler.

Delbert spent his life doing what he loved most — farming. He was a lifelong farmer, starting in his youth in Philpot, Kentucky, and continuing when he and his wife Patsy settled in Magnet, Indiana, in 1967. Over a lifetime of farming, Delbert grew tobacco, then corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and cattle. There were always animals on the farm, and Delbert always had a loyal dog at his side or, occasionally, a particular steer or cow that became an unexpected sidekick.

He could fix anything with a tarp strap, a pair of vice grips, and pure ingenuity, and he firmly believed that tractor hoods only got in the way of keeping them running. During slower seasons on the farm, he drove a semi cross-country, hauling whatever needed hauling to wherever it needed to go. Summer “vacations” were trips to the state fair, where every exhibit was examined, every sample collected, all the fried treats enjoyed and many a midway ride.

Delbert was a hard-working, demanding man — self-taught in the many things he tackled — and he passed on that “I can do anything” spirit to his daughters. After he gave up farming and “retired,” Delbert downsized his love of the land to gardening, and his sweet corn became coveted by anyone lucky enough to taste it. He enjoyed cutting trees on his wooded acreage, and he and Patsy were often found splitting firewood year-round in preparation for Indiana winters. The house was always kept at a balmy 80 when he was manning the woodstove.

He was a devoted euchre player, known for fierce games, a sharp competitive streak, and plenty of trash talking that kept everyone alert. More than a few decks of cards found their way into the river during the euchre battles in Rono — casualties of spirited debates over who reneged or who trumped whose ace.

Delbert would lend a hand to anyone – neighbors, fellow euchre players, even the random stranger and could find a well of kindness that would sometimes surprise those that knew him best by his gruff exterior.

Delbert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patsy; his daughters and sons-in-law, Tina and Stephen Winston of Philpot, Kentucky, and Lee Ann and Dave Weales; his granddaughters, Erin and Kyndal Holtzman of Tell City, Indiana; his sister-in-law, Sue Bartlett of Owensboro, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his community - card players, fellow farmers, neighbors and friends who helped make his life full.

He will be remembered with laughter, sadness, and countless stories of stubbornness and determination.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00pm with visitation from 1:00 until service time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rivers Edge Animal Shelter.

Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com

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