Dell Roger Paschal, 81, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away on July 6, 2026.
Born in the winter on a farmhouse four miles from Luray, Kansas, on Dec. 19, 1944, Dell was the son of Wallace F. Paschal and Dorothy Nichols Paschal. He grew up with his sister, Lynda, in Luray, St. John, and Hutchinson, Kansas, where extended family played an important role in their early lives.
After childhood, Hutchinson became Dell’s lifelong home. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1963 and attended Hutchinson Community College before continuing his education at the University of Kansas, where he earned a degree in business administration following his military service.
Dell proudly served in the United States Army from Aug. 30, 1967, to May 19, 1971, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5). As a member of the 101st Airborne Division, he completed two deployments to Vietnam from August 1968 to August 1969 and again from May 1970 to 1971. In recognition of his honorable and courageous service, he was awarded the Bronze Star. He continued his commitment to his country in the Army Reserve until Aug. 29, 1973.
Following his service, Dell built a long career in the financial industry, working many years at Wells Fargo, A.G. Edwards, and Anspacher & Associates. He often joked that he spent “too many years” in the business, but he took pride in helping clients and forming lasting relationships.
A devoted Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, Dell rarely missed a game and enjoyed spirited discussions about sports and politics. His love of basketball extended beyond watching—he served as a team host for 21 years at the NJCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship in Hutchinson, welcoming visiting teams and forming friendships that lasted well beyond the final buzzer. For many years during tournament week, friends and neighbors knew Dell as one of the familiar faces helping welcome teams and visitors to Hutchinson.
Though steady and disciplined, those who knew him best remember his soft heart and quick wit. He loved riding his Harley, until an accident brought that chapter of his life to a close, though the stories from those years remained among his favorites.
Dell was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Dorothy Paschal, and his sister, Lynda S. Dalton, who passed away on June 15, 2012.
He is survived by his brother-in-law, Bob Dalton of Denver, Colorado; his niece, Hollie Lubchenco and her husband David of Denver, Colorado; his nephew Bobby Dalton of Denver, Colorado; and his grand-nephew and niece, Ren and Nina, along with extended family and friends who will miss his steady presence, humor and generous heart.
In keeping with his wishes, Dell chose cremation. His ashes will be laid to rest in a family plot near Luray, Kansas—returning to the Kansas prairie where his life first began.
Graveside service will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at Vincent Cemetery, Osborne, Kansas.
Celebration of Life service will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at 25 Steak & Social, 25 E. 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kanas. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Military honors will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the KU Endowment (to Benefit the KU School of Business) or the Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.