Delmar Vern Bolinger: May 20, 1928 – May 26, 2020

Delmar “Del” Bolinger passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 26, 2020 at the age of 92. He was a longtime resident of Sandy Hook, South Whidbey Island, Wash., for 45 years

Delmar was born May 20, 1928 in Parsons, Kansas, where he lived until joining the U.S. Navy in 1947. He served his country on the USS Midway during World War ll. Upon discharge from the Navy in 1949, he returned home and met Grace Lorraine Pickerill, the “love of his life.” They were married in 1952 and moved to Pittsburg, Kansas, where he attended and played football for Pittsburg Junior College. He also played football as quarterback during his years at Parsons High School.

In 1954, Delmar moved his family to Wichita, Kansas, where he went to work for the Boeing Co. By then, the family had expanded to include daughters, Debby Lorraine and Sherry Kay. His son, Rodney Del, was born later, in 1960. Wichita, Kansas became their home until 1968, when the Boeing Co. moved Del and his family to the Seattle, Wash. area, where he was involved with the production of the Boeing 747 airplane. In 1984, at the age of 56, Del retired from Boeing after 30 years of service.

During his retirement years, Delmar and his wife, Grace, were able to enjoy his love of traveling. They traveled around the world, visiting the Holy Land, India, Iran, Hong Kong, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Germany and many more. They were also able to enjoy time in Southern California, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan during the cooler winters. But they always returned to Whidbey Island, the place they loved the most.

Delmar also had a love for all sports, football being his favorite. It was known among the family that, at one point, he had season tickets for the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Huskys, and Seattle Supersonics.

Some of our families greatest memories come from his humor and enthusiasm for telling stories about his growing up during the Depression days, playing football, and his “good old Navy days,” even though we knew there was always a little exaggertion going on. He and his wif,e Grace, were members of the South Whidbey Assembly of God church in Langley, Wash.. They were active in Bible study and senior activities and gatherings.

Delmar is proceded in death by his wife, Grace, and grandson, Ryan Capes. He is survived by daughters, Debby Lunde (Dag Lunde), Sherry Capes, and son, Rodney Bolinger (PingPing). He is also survived by grandchildren, Erika Swedburg (JohnMarc), Trevor Lunde (Angie), Kyle Lunde, and Angelina Bolinger, and great grandchildren, Gracie Swedburg, Cayden Capes, Jack Swedburg, Hudson Lunde, Emily Lunde, and Graham Swedburg.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Langley Cemetery, where he will be buried alongside his wife, Grace.

Delmar Vern Bolinger: May 20, 1928 - May 26, 2020
Delmar Vern Bolinger: May 20, 1928 - May 26, 2020