Delbert Smith

Delbert Vernard Smith was born in Denver, Colorado on April 21, 1949; the middle child of Sgt. Johnnie Smith and Hattie Bee Ford-Smith. He was raised with his older brother, Doyce Smith (Denver, CO) and his younger brother, Kelvin D. Smith (deceased). As part of a military family, Delbert traveled to Japan with his parents and celebrated his fifth birthday on board a military vessel at sea. Delbert graduated from Denver’s East High School in 1967. He was very athletic; he played basketball, football and participated in track and field, earning letters in each sport. After high school, Delbert attended college on a football and track scholarship, first at North Platte Junior College in Nebraska and then the University of Wyoming. He played collegiate basketball, and participated in the discus throw and pole-vaulting. His physical strength was literally phenomenal, and at one point in his life, he could actually lift a car off the ground with his bare hands. Delbert began his career as an Elevator Engineer for Otis Elevator in Denver, Colorado, where he built, fixed, and serviced elevators. After 40 years of dedication and commitment, he retired. Always having a love of music, Delbert and his high school friends formed a quartet called “O and the Shades” with “O” being Delbert as the lead singer. “O and the Shades” aspired to cut an album. He loved music and had a very expansive collection of music, including Jimi Hendrix, Parliament-Funkadelic, and numerous jazz artists. He was also an admirer of boxing great Muhammad Ali. He was the proud father of two children, Caryl Ann, with first wife, Jo Caryl Smith, and Mandingo with Annie L. Cooper. He loved his children with all his heart and gave the best of himself to them. He gave them his strength, wisdom, and taught them many life lessons. Delbert later married Andrea J. Boyd on June 10, 1995, and they remained together until his untimely passing. Delbert was admired as being principled, dependable, and a perfectionist gifted with a spirited and loving heart. He was loyal, extremely caring, and balanced. He possessed many talents which included being a creative artist, carpenter, and possessed knowledge of electrical and mechanical science. One of the things that his family and friends were inspired by was his straightforward manner and honesty. He would give you his opinion if he was asked. He would tell you straight, whether you liked it or notâ₦for the better of everyone. Delbert was a religious man. He attended Central Baptist Church in Denver, CO. He was baptized at an early age and was part of the church throughout his whole life until he crossed over. On December 18, 2017, Delbert Vernard Smith left our earthly world. He is survived by his spouse, Andrea Smith; his children, Caryl Ann Smith Gilbert (Gregory), Los Angeles, CA, Mandingo Cooper (Sandra Bynoe), Atlanta, GA; mother Hattie Bee Smith, Denver; his brother, Doyce Smith, Denver, CO; his grandchildren, Osiris Gilbert and Danielle Hendrix; two step-children, Denine Cheeks and Adam Brockington; his step-grandchildren Anjuli and Nicole Tuck, plus a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Delbert will be missed by so many people because there are so few people in this world with a heart like his.

Funeral Home: St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 12/26/2017 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 12/27/2017 at 11:00 AM - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 12/27/2017 - Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 12/27/2017 - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, Colorado