Delbert King

Delbert King

Delbert King was Southwestern's Principal from the very beginning in 1960 through the 1992 school year.

He was born September 1, 1927.  He was married to Kathleen Whitaker King and they had two children Jennifer King-Hensler and Roderick Delbert King.  During his year career, Mr. King helped Southwestern through both good times and bad-referring to the 1974 tornado that destroyed our school & community.

He can be seen here at various athletic events supporting Rebels athletes & coaches, at a speaking engagement to support a cause and even dancing in front of the student body.

He was accessible, fair-minded and willing to work with all for the betterment of our students & community. He was serious, but also had fun. He had children that also went through Southwestern and he held them to the same standards as all others. He was a man of integrity we can all be proud to call our own.  He was willing to give a word of encouragement, handshake or pat on the back before & after a student's performance.  He gave us his all.

(Rebian 1991)

He passed away on December 21, 1999, but not before providing us with many wonderful years of dedication & support.He was inducted into the school's first Hall-of-Fame class in 2009. The gymnasium was named in his honor. You can check out the plaque in our gymnasium that bears his name 'Delbert O. King Gymnasium'.

We express our gratitude for his service & dedication.  Thank you Delbert O. King...we'll never forget you.

The man had class....and made sure you had class too!