Delbert Jerome Lininger

Del “Cowboy” Lininger, 84, rode his last ride peacefully on October 24th, finally joining his loving wife, Elisabeth (Mickey), and beloved son, Royce. A true cowboy at heart, Del had a passion for all things rodeo. Boots, spurs, buckles, hats, and lariats were never far from his reach. Even in his later years, he could often be found roaming the halls of his assisted living home—lariat in hand—sharing stories of his Folsom Rodeo days, his adventures with friend, Cotton Rosser, and Royce's rodeo experiences. Del passed his love of horses on early, introducing Robin to her first pony, Penny, at just two years old—a moment that sparked a lifelong dedication to horses, farming, and livestock. As young children, Robin and Royce spent many summers at Cal Expo watching their dad train racehorses and trotters. Their own paths into 4-H quickly followed, showing animals throughout California and building a shared world shaped by a passion for agriculture. Beyond ranching and horses, Del and his wife opened their hearts and home to others. After their children grew—Royce joining the Marines and Robin leaving for school —Del and Mickey fostered more than 500 children on an emergency basis, offering comfort, stability, and care to those who needed it most. Del and Mickey later retired to Eureka, California, before moving to Washington to be closer to family when Mickey's health began to decline. She passed in 2002, followed by Royce in 2015.Del “Cowboy” Lininger leaves behind his daughter, Robin (Thomas) and family, grandchildren Jacob and Joshua, great-grandchildren Faith, Oliver, Nevaethan, and Natinsley, and niece Susan, who will forever cherish his stories, his grit, and his unbreakable cowboy spirit.