Delbert Bolen, and affectionately known by many as “Bubba” of Mentone, passed away at 8:50 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, at Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw at the age of 72.

He was born on Sept. 28, 1946, in Floyd County, Ky. to Bertha (Chafins) Bolen and Rant Bolen. On Oct. 7, 1964, in Rochester he was married to Norma Elaine Bolen. They shared 54 years of marriage together before she passed away on June 28, 2019.

He lived most of his life in Kosciusko County. He was always a hard worker and provided for his family throughout his life as owner and operator of several small businesses: Bolen Trash Removal in Mentone; Bubba’s Tree Service and Behive Store and Restaurant in Beaver Damn Lake.

Later in life he worked for several years as a supervisor at Fairmont Homes in Nappanee retiring in 2007. He shared his wife’s passion of celebrating family occasions and holidays with food and fellowship. He lived a long full life and may not have always been easy but it was all for his family that will dearly miss him.

He will be lovingly remembered by his four daughters: Peggy (Mark) Davis, Warsaw; Norma (Lonny) Hodges, Mentone; Regina Bolen, Mentone; April (Michael) Meade, Mentone; and his son: Noble (Debbie) Bolen, North Manchester. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Mitchell Bolen, Rochester; Elmer Bolen, Portsmouth, Ohio; and his sister: Elsie Slone, Pippa Passes, Ky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Norma Elaine Bolen on June 28, daughter, Evelyn Elaine Bolen on Sept. 3, 2008, three grandchildren and several brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

His funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Mark Davis and Pastor Ballard Wood. Burial will follow with a graveside service at Palestine Cemetery in Palestine.

Memorial donations may be directed to Special Olympics – Indiana/Kosciusko County, 6965 E. South Barbee Drive, Pierceton, IN 46562.