Delbert “Deb” Cedars passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, at the age of 94.
Deb was born Dec. 23, 1929, at Crawfordsville, the son of Raymond Cedars and Evelyn Cedars. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School. He served in the Army 101st Airborne, stationed in Germany. There he met and married Doris Bussler.
In the early to mid-50s, Deb and Doris returned to Crawfordsville with their son, Ray, after serving seven years in Germany and in 1956 Rita Carol was born. Deb worked for a local mover and then bought him out (a truck and 20 moving pads) as he used to say. They worked hard and built it into a successful business. He was the recipient of numerous awards, from the Sagamore of the Wabash, Elks Distinguished Citizen Award, and many more.
He and Doris were very active in the German American Club in Lafayette, with Doris serving as the first woman president. Deb was tuned in to the needs around him and was constantly donating his time and services to fire, flood and tornado victims. He’d park his truck at a store and people would come out having purchased whatever was currently needed.
In 1976, Doris succumbed to cancer at the age of 42. The employee in the office, Judith Fry Estep then handled the office alone. The number of trucks grew as did the number of employees. He continued to receive awards and to upgrade his trucks over the years. Most of the young men in the family began their working years under his tutelage. “Working hard” was his mantra!
His present wife, Noreen, worked with him for 35 years. They were together 39 years, married for 37 years. He helped to finish raising her children, Camille, Kathryn and John. He was a dear STAD (step-dad) to them. He and Noreen travelled until he had medical issues. He was a member of the Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, having been baptized there. He enjoyed calling on people in their homes.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church. Services will begin at noon. After the service, he will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery North. Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.
Donations in memory of Deb Cedars can be made to the Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, 307 S. Washington St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
