Arthur Delbert “Delbert” Boatsman was born to Arthur Boatsman and Stella Kyler on June 26, 1951 in Red Bluff, California. Delbert’s journey in life ended peacefully on July 12, 2020 in Bryan, Texas. Delbert was a good man and a loving father. Those who knew him will always remember his integrity, hard work, intelligence, and fun-loving nature.
Delbert came from a loving family with modest means in Northern California. He began living on his own at the age of 16. He supported himself while finishing high school and graduated from Red Bluff High in 1969. To put himself through college, he worked nights at a gas station and slept in his car between classes during the day. He was the first member of his family to graduate college, earning an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Shasta College.
After college, Delbert worked several years at a maximum-security prison before starting his own successful construction company. Later, he moved his family from California to Cookville, Texas, where he began working for Texas Utilities' coal-mining operations as a heavy equipment operator and taking side-jobs as a carpenter. At work, he was known by the handle “Boy Scout” because he was always prepared for anything that might go wrong. He retired after 25 years.
Delbert achieved many things in life, but to him, his greatest accomplishment was his family, especially his children. He never failed to provide for them, and regularly worked nights, weekends, and holidays so they could have the best life possible.
Delbert was also fun-loving. In his youth, he would wake before dawn and climb Mount Shasta to watch the sunrise with friends. His first "car" was a motorcycle, and he rode Harleys all his life. He went fishing and hunting as often as he could, especially for deer and wild hogs. He could build a house from the ground-up, and he built fun things for his children, like a large custom playhouse and massive in-ground pool. He loved rock music and would pick up a pair of spoons to play rhythm to a good Steppenwolf, Iron Butterfly, or Dave Mason song. He often hosted big barbecues, fish frys, and pool parties. He was charming and funny, made people feel wanted and welcomed, and was open-handed with everything he had.
Delbert lived by several principles. He believed you should: give everyone respect because we’re all equal; take care of your family (and the friends that become your family); be generous to people who need your help; work hard and enjoy life; always keep learning, because no one can take away your education; look a person in the eye when you shake their hand; be careful and aware of your surroundings; pay attention to what people do, not what they say; check your smoke detectors and blind spots; keep a calm head, even when you don’t want to; never tolerate hatefulness or disrespect from anyone; and always be happy and proud of who you are.
Delbert leaves behind his ex-wife of 25 years and love of his life, Robin Breault; his children, Ashley Renea Boatsman, Arthur Jason Boatsman, and Kyle Delbert Boatsman; his daughters-in-law Carolyn and Kristal Boatsman; his grandchildren Walter, Henry, and Dorothy Boatsman; and his siblings Dale, Rick, and Cindy Boatsman. He also leaves behind close friends and family members, Donna Derrick, John Derrick, Kenny Derrick, Wyatt Derrick, Mike Derrick, and best friend, Fred Perdue.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his friend-turned-brother David Derrick, and his mentor-turned-father Harold Derrick.
Delbert Boatsman will be forever loved and impossible to forget. He conferred dignity and respect to everyone he met, dedicated himself to family and friends, and worked tirelessly to build a better life for his children, sacrificing everything of himself out of love for them. Be at peace now, dad. You finished your hard work and made a better life for your family.
Graveside service will be held at 9:00 am Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Mt. Moriah Cemetery near Cookville.
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