Delbert Lewis Pilcher

9/18/1925 - 6/3/2019

Delbert Pilcher was born in Telluride, Colorado in 1925 to Cecil and Sierie Pilcher. Long-term residents of Telluride, his grandfather Joseph Lewis Pilcher was San Miguel County Sheriff around the turn of the century. In 1929, the young Pilcher family moved to Phoenix, Arizona and settled in the heart of downtown. Del grew up helping his parents after school, at Pilcher’s Groceries, 1405 West Adams Street. He recalled that riding the street car was a treat, but catching an occasional movie at the air- conditioned Fabulous Fox Theater on a hot summer day was even better!

Del graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1943, then went on to join the Army Air Corps. Following the war, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering at University of Arizona. He was called back into service when fighting broke out in Korea, where he piloted an F-86, “Jeanne” named after his wife for good luck. He went on to serve 28 years in the Air Force. As a military family, they moved frequently, living in many locations throughout the United States and Canada as well as Pakistan. Del rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired from the Air Force in 1970. Del and Jeanne decided to make Phoenix their permanent home, where Del became a civil engineer for the City of Phoenix. They watched their kids grow, go to college and marry. Unexpectedly, Jeanne passed away in 1985.

Del reconnected with Fran Elmore whom he’d known since his days at the University of Arizona and they were married in 2003. The two “youngsters” loved life and traveled by sea, land and air, near and abroad. Del loved to play golf, socialize with friends, dance to Frank Sinatra, and tinker with antique cars. He also love spending time with his family and organized many special Father’s Day Lake Powell houseboat trips for the extended family to enjoy together.

Del was always there for Jeanne, Fran, his four kids, seven grand kids and eleven great grandkids. He was much loved and respected by all and will be greatly missed.

Donations can be made in Del’s name to the University of Arizona Foundation.

https://www.uafoundation.org/givetoday/