Delbert Jackson Fambrough

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
St. James United Methodist Church
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212
Friday, September 16, 2022
2:00 P.M.
Memorial Contributions
St. James United Methodist Church
321 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212

Delbert Jackson Fambrough

of Little Rock, AR

September 9, 1941 - September 9, 2022

Delbert Jackson Fambrough of Little Rock, AR passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022 at the age of 81. Delbert was born September 9, 1941 in Smackover, AR, the son of Delton and Selma (Hunt) Fambrough. The family relocated to Springhill, LA and there Delbert graduated from high school. He played the trumpet in the band in high school and in college. He excelled in all sports especially track and football. He was the 1960 Louisiana State High Jump Champion and selected as an All-State athlete.

Delbert attended Northwestern State University on an athletic scholarship until an injury ended his football career. He then enlisted in the Army and began his military career. He soon entered Officers Candidate School and was commissioned as an Officer. On July 17, 1964 he married his college sweetheart, Catherine Sue Mischler. Together they endured the separation of war, raised two sons, enjoyed successful careers and spent much time on Lake DeGray until Cathy's death on August 16, 2002.

Delbert was a true patriot. He served proudly as an infantry officer in the United States Army. He served two tours of duty as an advisor to the Vietnam Forces. During his military career he was an airborne Ranger and highly decorated veteran earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Metal and Combat Infantry Badge. He attended the Defense Language Institute and Special Forces Warfare School.

In 1971, after surviving an explosion of his military vehicle, he received a medical discharge having earned the rank of Major in his ten years of service. This was a disappointing turn of events as his intention was to be a career officer.

Delbert returned to college and graduated from Austin Pea State University. He pursued a second career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he continued his commitment to his fellow brothers-in-arms.

His first position was to oversee students who were veterans attending college on the Gl Bill. Later he was promoted to the Regional Office of the VA in Little Rock as a Field Attorney, whose job it was to manage incompetent veteran's financial affairs and insure their welfare. In 1985, he assumed the position of Chief of Guardianship Services until his retirement in 1997.

Delbert was a faithful member of St. James United Methodist Church and an active member of the Forum Sunday School Class. It was there that he was reacquainted with Benni Ogden whom he had first known at Northwestern State University in 1961. With Benni he found a new love and a renewed enthusiasm for life. They were married November 22, 2003.

Delbert enjoyed fishing, spending time with family, traveling in the states and abroad. In later years one of the highlights of his week was the gathering of his "lunch group", sharing their views on sports and current events. He will be remembered fondly for the annual trips he planned for Benni's Mah Jong group. The couples traveled to Colorado, Gulf Shores, North Carolina and the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train trip.

Delbert will be remembered for his ready smile, his Christian faith, and kind heart. He maintained many friendships from different walks of life. If he was your friend, he was loyal to the end.

He is survived by his wife, Benni Fambrough; two sons, David Fambrough (Nancy) of Plano, TX and Gary Fambrough (Angie) of Conway, AR and his brother, Dr. Larry Fambrough (Cynthia) of Ponchatoula, LA.

Benni's daughters, Ashley Fletcher (Dr. James) of Jonesboro, AR; April Wilkinson (Rev. Donnie) of Baton Rouge, LA. Together they bring eight grandchildren to the family and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 16, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. at Saint James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas. The service will be live-streamed on the Saint James United Methodist Church website.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church.

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10 Condolence(s)
Debra Lane
,
Liked
Sunday, October 2, 2022

So sorry for your loss.

Ashley & David Coldiron
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 17, 2022

Gary, Benni condolences on your loss. We’ll always remember his infectious smile and good nature.

Charlie Lout
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 15, 2022

May God be with you during this difficult time.

Ashley & David Coldiron
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 15, 2022

Gary, Benni condolences on your loss. We’ll always remember his infectious smile and good nature.

Paul Durbin
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 13, 2022

For a number of years, I worked along side Del at the VA Regional Office in LR & NLR. Both He, Sam High & myself were in the same Division. I remember him as a very friendly, caring person, always with a smile, who loved his work especially in working with incompetent veterans. He was a good man who loved his family. I am truly sorry at his passing & will remember him & all the family in my prayers. May our Heavenly Father give you strength & courage at this time.

Jeanette Baugh
Savannah, GA
Liked
Monday, September 12, 2022

I was so sad to hear of Delbert’s passing. I know you are comforted by remembering the wonderful years you shared with him. Wish I could be with you all.

Jacque Nash Ford
Washington,
Liked
Sunday, September 11, 2022

Benni, praying for you and all the family. May God’s peace keep you through this time.

Alyce Hardee
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, September 11, 2022

Gary and family,

I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. I am praying God wrap his arms around all of you and hold you tight in this season of life. May God Be With You

Linda Hodges
Murrells Inet, SC
Liked
Sunday, September 11, 2022

Benni and family so sorry about the loss of Delbert but know he is now at peace, no longer suffering pain, and now a part of God's mighty army in heaven. Let your heart and body be still and rest. My love to you ole friend.

Samuel Doyne High
Lonoke, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 10, 2022

I met Del through working together at VA Regional Office in LR and NLR. As I got to know him he became one of my alltime favorite people. He was actually a hero to me for his service in VN. I also served in Viet Nam in Army Reserve Unit, Ammo Supply. I knew him to be A GOOD HUSBAND, DAD, GRANDDAD, AND FRIEND. PRAYERS FOR BENNIE AND ALL THE FAMILY.