In Loving Memory
Ken Delarbre, 82, of Clearwater and McIntosh, FL died June 23, 2025 Born in Cincinnati to Alfred & Gladys Berry Delarbre, he came to Plant City in 1948 where he met Carolyn and they were high school sweethearts. He pursued an engineering degree but later changed, graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting and later an undergraduate degree from USF. He was a well known and a much loved CPA in Clearwater. He was a founder, CEO & Chairman of the Board of Gulf Bank in Clearwater. He was a long time member of 1st United Methodist in Clearwater, Clearwater First Assembly of God, and Calvary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Edwards Delarbre and his two sons, Kenneth (Debbie) Jr and Michael Delarbre. He is survived by 2 grandsons, Clayton & Chase. Funeral Services Thursday July 3rd at 11:30 am at Community Presbyterian Church, 20098 N US Hwy 441, McIntosh, FL 32664 Contributions can be made in his memory to the American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Research.
Arrangements entrusted to:
Veterans Funeral Care
Clearwater, FL
I had the privilege of working with Ken since he hired me fresh out of college. I witnessed a person of great integrity, quiet strength, and true leadership. He never in all those years ever raised his voice no matter how I messed something up. It was always let’s move on and fix what was wrong. He treated everyone with fairness, offered wisdom when it was needed and led by example. I am grateful for the many lessons learned, the opportunities given and the moments shared. His guidance, integrity and support has had a great impact on my life and career. He will be missed beyond words, but my heart is happy he is in a better place. My sincere condolences to Carlyon, Kenny, Michael and the rest of the family.
The Falone Family has known Ken and the Delarbre family for well over 40 years. Although our relationship was at a professional level, it always felt like we were getting together with family when we met in his office. Knowing that there isn’t a Ken Delarbre on the earth to share stories with makes his passing a heavy weight in our hearts. But knowing that he has been called home and is in a better place, both mentally and physically, fills us with joy. Our love and heartfelt prayers go out to Carolyn and the entire Delarbre family.
Our heartfelt condolences also go out to Ken’s business partner and friend, Tracie.
Ken was my CPA from the day I started by business in 2001. I had also been going to church with him (I was in my twenties) before that and always admired the “Christian example” he was to young men like me who looked up to him. He always had a team around him that were just like him. Smart, good solid people. Tracie, Pam, both CPA’s, just like him, the whole office kind of made in his image. I remember once, we were fairly new in business, maybe a year or two, I wasn’t in the best mood. I was waiting to see him in his lobby. We both shared a love of the American West. I was looking at his magazines from Wyoming and Montana. He came out, sat down, told me we were doing good, not bad, sales were growing. He said growing businesses grow by reinvesting your profits and that’s what you are doing. He pointed at one of the magazines and said “stay the course, you’ll have a place out there one day.” I’ll never forget that day of encouragement as well as the financial advice. I admired the way he loved his sons and he ADORED Carolyn. Ken Delarbre was a unique man, made in Gods image. He was talented beyond was is measurable. But he was much, much more than that. He was an example to me and many others I’m sure.
I did not know Ken Sr personally but i am friends with his son Ken Jr and daughter in law Debbie who i see at my church First Baptist Church Mcintosh or in The Mcintosh area weekly. I have had Ken Sr on my prayer list for quite some time and my prayers continue for all his family. So sorry for your loss. My name is Joshua Junior.
Ken, thank you for all you have done for Jim and me. We will never forget you.
I worked with Ken for many years for both our business and personal financials, and he always had our best interests at heart. He was incredibly patient with all my inquiries and brainstorming, a true professional on all levels even when we disagreed. But Ken had a fun side as well and I will remember the many stories. He will be missed and my deepest condolences to his family!
Ken was a true friend and a great CPA. I have many wonderful memories of the work that we did together for our mutual clients over the years. The accounting in Clearwater has lost a true giant. Ken’s compassion for his clients was the hallmark of his practice. My thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn, Ken, Jr. and Michael at the difficult time.