DELBERT E. LUIPOLD, JR.

Delbert E. Luipold, Jr., also known as “Del,” “Butch” and “Pops,” 67, a longtime resident of Merrillville, IN and most recently of Globe, AZ, passed away at home in Phoenix, AZ on August 8, 2025, after a fighting a prolonged battle with multiple cancers.

Del was born in Gary, Indiana on July 7, 1958, to Delbert Luipold Sr. and Adeline “Jackie” (Howard) Luipold. Being a junior, Del was referred to as “Butch” by family and friends throughout his life in Indiana. He attended elementary school in Gary until the age of 13 when his family moved to Merrillville, Indiana. He graduated from Merrillville High School in 1975, attended Purdue University, and served in the US Air Force. He became a truck driver in 1986 and spent his life in the transportation industry. Del raised six children in Indiana and provided encouragement and support to many other friends of his kids, who call him “Pops,” before relocating to Arizona in 2015.

Del met his wife and soulmate, Lorie in the late summer of 2019 and were married on March 1, 2020. After moving to Globe, Del went to work for Quality Carriers in Safford, AZ, where he hauled sulfuric acid between several Arizona copper mines. In addition, he was a huge encourager and supporter of Lorie’s business, Splash of Copper Art Gallery & Gifts in downtown Globe. When his health declined in 2024, Del had to take early retirement and he and Lorie closed the business and relocated to Phoenix so he could receive additional cancer treatment.

Del enjoyed all types of music and could tell you every band member, song title, record label and year the song was released. Besides spending time with family, Del loved gardening, fixing things, puzzles, and traveling. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Del often-found pleasure in talking with people and there were very few individuals he could not chat with. He was happy to give advice, but careful to wait until it was solicited. His sense of humor and funny stories brought lots of laughter to all. Del loved the Lord and enjoyed attending church services, both at Living Waters Community Church in Globe and North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, when his work schedule and health allowed. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Del is survived by his wife, Lorie Luipold (Trobaugh/Williams); his children, Delbert Luipold III (Karie), Spartanburg, SC; Angela Nolen (Mark), Roebuck, SC; Shelly Arvin , Lake Station, IN; Ashley Luipold, Elkhart, IN, Stepson, Cory Wagner, Plainsfield, IN; Stepdaughters, Marissa Ross (Tyler), Buckeye, AZ; Haley Williams, Miami, AZ and Kelsey “KJ” Williams, Mukwonago, WI., his sister, Audrey Jungels, Monticello, IN; nineteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

He is predeceased in death by his parents, Delbert Sr., and Adeline, as well as his youngest son, Anthony Luipold.

All are welcome to attend a celebration of Del’s life on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11am at Living Waters Community Church, 125 Haskins Road, Globe, AZ 85501. A luncheon reception will follow at the church. At 9am, Del’s trucking friends and colleagues will honor him with a Last Ride on US Highway 60. The family invites you to line the highway to participate.

The family would like to extend appreciation to the loving and compassionate staff of Mayo Clinic Phoenix and Hospice of the Valley during Del’s extended illness, as well as all the support and encouragement from friends and family during Del’s cancer journey.

Arrangements have been made through Lamont Mortuary in Globe, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested condolences, and donations to assist with medical and funeral expenses be offered at Lamont Mortuary, 328 S. Hill Street, Globe, AZ 85501 or (928) 425-5491.