Delbert “Del” Kleppe, who worked as an independent contractor with PPAI’s finance department for more than 30 years, passed away on November 6. He was 76.

Born in Bennett, Iowa, Kleppe served in the U.S. Air Force, and married his late wife Nelva in San Angelo, Texas. He was a member of The Church of Christ on McDermott Road in Plano, Texas, and at PPAI, he was a familiar and friendly face, known for stopping by his colleagues’ offices for a chat, to share funny stories and relate the latest on his children and grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister Eileen Biddle and brother Gene Kleppe, Kleppe is survived by his daughter Dr. Karen Kleppe Graham and her husband Jim; son Delbert Kleppe Jr. and his wife Heather; grandchildren Taylor Graham and wife Adriana, Reese Graham, Tanner Kleppe, Raegan Kleppe, Austin Paul, Bailey Paul and Colton Colvard; sisters Carole Hadfield and husband Bill, Linda Davis and husband Mark, and several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

In support of local, state and federal guidelines on COVID-19, a limited number of guests will be allowed at a memorial service on November 13 at The Church of Christ on McDermott Road. A visitation was held today at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. Kleppe will be interred alongside his wife in a private ceremony at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.