Delbert was born August 17, 1937 in Geneva, NE to parents Ben Dean and Alyce Helen (Elznic) Fussell. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1955 and from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a B.S. in 1960, and a M.S. in 1961 and from Rice University with a PhD in 1965. All degrees were in Chemical Engineering.
Del served in the U.S. Army from January 1965 to December 1966. Most of that tour of duty was with the Chemical Corp, stationed in Edgewood Arsenal, MD. His principle duties were to initiate the “automation” of testing charcoal for gas masks.
Del married Colleen Schnitter in 1960 in Geneva, NE. To this marriage were born two daughters, Kathleen Sue Fussell Viola-Press, September 28, 1966, and Susan Elizabeth Fussell Spangler, April 26, 1970. Del and Colleen later divorced.
In 1975, Del and Lynne Turner Smith were married in Tulsa, OK. They met at the Amoco Research Center, Tulsa, OK. Del joined Amoco Production in January 1967 assigned to their Research Center in Tulsa, OK.
His major research assignment was the development and application of compositional reservoir simulators. Major developments were the inclusion of equations of state in the simulator and development of an advanced numerical method used to solve these complex equations He supervised the Enhanced Recovery Group. Later, he was Director of the Reservoir Engineering Section.
He transferred to the Africa Middle East Region located in Houston. He spent 2-1/2 years in the Gupco Organization in Cairo, Egypt. He then was assigned to the Denver Region where he worked in reservoir engineering until his retirement in 1997.
During his career with Amoco, Del worked with many excellent engineers, geologists, technicians, and other personnel wtihin the organization. These relations provided many fond memories and lasting friendships. After retiring, Del joined an “Amoco” golf group, coffee group and luncheon group.
These brought new friendships and enjoyable happenings. After retirement, Del was able to spend more time on his woodworking hobby. He made several beautiful pieces but his real interest was in woodturning.
All the friends and family who received pens, pencils, pepper mills and bowls can attest to his skill. He was a member of Front Range Woodturners for many years. Del was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan, parents, parents-in-law, brother Glen R. Fussell, brother-in-law Roger M. Turner, brother-in-law Lowell R. Heath.
He is survived by his wife, Lynne, daughter, Kathleen (Mark) of Moorpark, CA, stepson Craig Smith (Kris Lawley), granddaughters Meagan Nichole Smith and Kelly Blackwell, all of Round Rock, TX, sister JoAnn Heath, nephew Steven Heath, grandnephew Ben Heath (Kelly) all of Geneva, NE, niece Cindy Schwaninger (Greg) of Hallam, NE, grandnephews Adam Schwaninger (Erika) of Lincoln, NE and Brett Schwaninger of SC, sister-in-law Kathy Turner, nieces Melissa Grych, Bethany Cathey and Anndee Abney and their families all residing in Texas. Memorial Contributions in Del’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S. Pine Driver, Parker, CO 80134.
A Reception at the Church will follow the Service.
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