Delbert Don Bussell

     Delbert Don Bussel, born on November 21, 1939, at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska, was the son of Edard D. Bussell and Louise (Gilchrist) Bussell. He completed his education in Imperial, graduating high school with the class of 1956.

     On March 20, 1961, Delbert married Linda Norton of Imperial, and together they formed a lasting partnership, making Chase County their home for 65 wonderful years. Delbert took great pride in his farming legacy, where he instilled the same passion in his sons, Scott and Brent, who have continued to nurture and expand the family farm. His grandson, Justin Bussell, has also joined this tradition, furthering the family's agricultural heritage in Chase County.

     For a large part of his life, Delbert enjoyed ranching and was an avid cattle buyer, dedicating time to build his herd. In his younger years, he found joy in hunting, particularly for pheasants, and enjoyed guiding out-of-state hunters from Colorado and Missouri, many of whom became lifelong friends. Delbert also had a passion for motorsports, initially racing go-karts before advancing to stock car racing. His competitive spirit often led to friendly banter over the tractor radios with his grandson Justin, particularly after races where they competed against each other; the who let who pass on purpose back and forth was legendary.

     Delbert passed away on February 5, 2026 at the Chase County Community Hospital. He was 86 years of age.

     Delbert's legacy will be remembered fondly by his family and friends, who cherish the memories of his love for family, community, and the passions that defined his life.

Final Harvest

He was bound to the land from the day of his birth

His roots anchored deep in the fertile earth

Nurtured, sustained, by the soil he grew

And his life, like his furrows, ran straight and true.

In faith, each spring, he planted the seeds

In hope, to reap his family’s needs

With patience, he waited for the harvest to come

To gather the fruits of his labor home.

Ever turning seasons, the years sped past

Till the final harvest came at last

Then claimed anew by beloved sod, he was gathered home to be with God.

- Barbara W. Weber

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Louise Bussell; his grandson, Dustin Michael Bussell; sisters, Evelyn (Bussell) Norman and her husband Fay Norman and Mary Lou (Bussell) Bower and her husband Doug Bower; mother and father-in-law, Harlan and Vivian Norton; and brother-in-law, Larry Norton.

Survivors include his wife, Linda (Norton) Bussell; son, Scott Bussell and wife, Trevia (Brauer) Bussell, son Brent Bussell, grandchildren: Justin Bussell and wife, Marissa and their children, Zaiden, Austin, Vivian, and Kyler, Kylee DeWester and husband, Cody and their children, Cale and Cason, Ashlin Behrendt and husband, Alex and daughter Olivia, and Jadin Anderson and husband, Blaine; and sister, Emma Jane Haddorff of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Cremation was chosen and a celebration of life services is being planned for a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Imperial EMS. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.