Delbert V. Paenitz

Delbert Verlin Paenitz, age 91, of Elgin, Texas, passed away on June 23, 2025.

Delbert was born on September 30, 1933, in Taylor, Texas, to Herman and Mary (Belz) Paenitz. He was a lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Elgin, where he served as music director and shared his deep love of singing with the congregation. He also enjoyed sharing his smile and friendly nature while being a greeter.

Delbert was a dedicated cattle rancher who had a passion for farming and caring for animals. He also enjoyed trips to the beach and taking long country drives. After 33 years of service, he retired from the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation in 1988. Delbert loved telling stories and visiting with his family at cherished family gatherings.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda Faye Paenitz; his wife, Connie Paenitz, whom he married in 1967 and who passed in 2014; his son Steve Paenitz of Kentucky, and son Lonney Paenitz of Elgin, Texas; grandson, Jade Bowling of Cedar Park, Texas; son-in-law, Harold VanRaden and granddaughter Jennifer VanRaden of Kenai Peninsula, Alaska; and brothers and their wives Bill and Paula Nolan of Gainesville, Texas, and Melvin and Betty Paenitz of Nacogdoches, Texas.

Delbert is survived by his son, Bryan Paenitz of Elgin, Texas; daughter, Kathy Bowling and husband Kenny of Cedar Park, Texas; daughter, Melissa VanRaden of Kenai Peninsula, Alaska; and daughter, Shannon Bailey and husband Jim of Cleburne, Texas; sister-in-law JoCarol Kemp and husband Allen of Austin, Texas . He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Raleigh Paenitz and wife Lindsey of Seffner, Florida; Mindy Flake and husband Jeff of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Bradley VanRaden of Kenai Peninsula, Alaska; Taylor Gordon and husband Grant of Joshua, Texas, and Grant Bailey of Cleburne, Texas. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Liam Paenitz of Seffner, Florida, and four great-granddaughters. Kaitlyn Rhodes of Missouri; Gwenevere Gatlin-Flake of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Lola Paenitz of Seffner, Florida; and Bridget Gordon of Joshua, Texas.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bryan Paenitz, Jim Bailey, Grant Bailey, Phillip Nolan, Chad Barteau, and Nathan Smith. Honorary pallbearers include: Kenny Bowling, Allen Kemp, and Grant Gordon.

Delbert will be remembered for his kind spirit, his deep love for his family, and his unwavering faith.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, 604 HWY 95 N, Elgin, Texas 78621.

Funeral service will begin at 10:00AM on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow immediately at McDade Cemetery, 1876 US-290, McDade, Texas 78650.