Delbert Williams, 71, a life long resident in Flagstaff, passed away Friday, July 17th, 2009.

Delbert was born in the Hopi village of Moencopi in his grandparents home, where he spent the early years of his childhood learning the ways and teachings of his Hopi culture. He then moved to Flagstaff, to be with his mother and sister. He began his education at Emerson Elementary and had perfect attendance for his 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. At the same time he began selling the daily newspaper on the streets at the age of 8. At age eleven he sold the most newspapers out of all the boys for that year and won a brand new bicycle. He went on to attend Flagstaff High School where he excelled in what was to become a life long passion: Basketball. He graduated in 1957, but not before he and his fellow Eagles basketball team took the Arizona State Championship for which still holds THE record for winning a state championship for high schools here in Flagstaff. After graduation he went on to attend Northern Arizona University, then called Arizona State College, for three and a half years before he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served our country for a two year tour from June, 1961 to 1963.

Along with watching his beloved NBA (go Suns!), Delbert was often seen by the family doing his crossword puzzles or doing his leather crafting on the couch while grandma watched her soap operas. . On holidays, with a family largely populated with females he often patiently listened to the constant chatter until he had enough and went into the living room to watch his basketball and football games or just sports in general. Another favorite pastime was listening to his 1960's and 70's classic country western music and could do a dead-on impression of Hank Williams that his many nieces used to make him sing over and over.

He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Humetewa and his sister, Eunice Nicks both of Flagstaff, his sister Vera Noble of Phoenix, six nieces, six great nephews and eight great neices.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bert Williams, his nieces Terri and Robyn Nicks.

Graveside Services are being held by Norvel Owens Mortuary and the American Legion at the Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 10:00 a.m followed by a reception at Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints on E. Linda Vista.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society.