Delbert Ira Cokley, 78, of St. Clair passed away Monday, September 9, 2019 at his home.

Delbert, son of Joy Lowell Sr. and Cora Alice Cokley was born March 4, 1941 in Evansville, IN.

On June 4, 1962 he was united in marriage to Rebecca Schroeder in Union.

Delbert attended grade school and high school in Evansville. In 1959 his family moved to Union so his father could pursue a career at Chrysler and in 1970 he moved to St. Clair. As a young man Delbert worked at General Motors for three years and went on to Chrysler. He started as a production worker and later extended his education to become a UAW representative accomplishing 25 years with the company, retiring at age 50 in 1991. After his retirement, he ran American Motor Cars in St. Clair until his passing.

As a member of the Route 66 Car Club for over 25 years, his true passion was for working on classic cars and showing them in car shows.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Joy Sr. and Cora Cokley; one brother, Lawrence Cokley and one son, Micah Cokley in infancy.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Cokley of St. Clair; two sons, Mark Cokley of St. Clair and Troy Cokley and wife Michelle of Lake Ozark; one brother, Joy Cokley Jr. and wife Marlene of Union; two sisters, Mary Phillips of Evansville, IN and Evelyn Lucas of St. Clair; six grandchildren, Andrew, Garrin and fiancé Lee Ann, Melissa, Trevor and wife Taylor, Tyler and Halley; five great-grandchildren, Tristyn, Kaitlyn, Jada, Parker and Rhett; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.