Delroy Lee Holzwarth

Delroy Lee Holzwarth passed away at his home in Salina, Kansas, on December 23, 2025. He was born on October 28, 1946, in St. Francis, Kansas, to Marie and Alvin Holzwarth.

Delroy grew up on working on the family farm, and enjoyed spending his days exploring alongside his dog and best friend, Rex. Guided by an adventurous spirit, he set out after graduation to experience new places and pursue new opportunities.

He entered the food service industry, where he met Kathy Place. They were married in 1976 and shared 49 years together. An entrepreneur at heart, Delroy, alongside Kathy, built a variety of successful business ventures, ranging from real estate to futures and options trading, and ultimately an award-winning BBQ restaurant, featured in Food Network Magazine, The Hickory Tree, in Smolan Kansas.

Over the course of his life, he enjoyed many things, including what his family would call “treasure hunting” with his metal detector, riding motorcycles with multiple trips to Sturgis, exploring new places, “playing” on his tractor and as he got older, spending time with his sweet King Charles Cavalier, Wylee.   

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy Holzwarth; and his mother, Marie Holzwarth.

Delroy was the proud father of five children: Mylee (Jon), Darin (Suzanne), Kama (Phillip), Shamryn, and Josh (Marcie). He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Holzwarth, and his son, Darin Clapper.

There will be an open house on January 17th from 1-4 pm at the Mentor Fire Station at 697 E Mentor Rd, Mentor, KS 67416.

Memorials can be made to Jackhibbs Ministries, PO box 1273, Chino Hills, CA 91709 or Salina Animal Services. 

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