Delbert was born on December 1, 1937, in Grinnell, Iowa, to John and Roxie Anderson Crawford. He was raised in Grinnell and attended Grinnell schools. On May 21, 1955, he was united in marriage to Rachel Innis in Grinnell. The couple lived in Grinnell and he worked for 37 years as a machinist at the Maytag Company in Newton. He retired in 1992 and worked part-time for DeLong's Sportswear Company in Grinnell. Delbert enjoyed camping, fishing, attending country music shows in the Ozarks and attending school and sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan too. Survivors include his wife, Rachel Crawford of Grinnell; one daughter, Diane Dillon of Searsboro; three sons, Delbert Crawford and David Crawford, both of Grinnell, and Brian Crawford of Lynnville; seven grandchildren; and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Max Crawford; and one sister, Neita Banta. Memorials may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice.