"D.L" (Delma Louis) Routte, 94, of Elizabethtown, died peacefully at home on September 6, 2019. D.L. was born April 23, 1925 near Glendale, the son of Elzie Thorton Routte, Sr., and Oma Hornback Routte. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre. In 1947, he was wed to Dorothy Strange Routte, a marriage that lasted 61 years, until she passed away October 20, 2008. After the war, D.L. became an electrical contractor and successful business owner. His companies included Routte & Layman Electric, Hub City Wholesale, and Brite Electric. But he had grown up on a farm, and his lifelong dream was to return to working the land. It was a dream he pursued in stages, until 1974, when he fully retired from business and devoted himself full time to the farm. Never one to follow the crowd, D.L. was a man who set his own path. He developed a distinctive passion for traditional farming techniques. He devoted himself to raising and farming with Belgian Draft Horses and preferred whenever possible to use horse-drawn equipment. He was never happier than when he was working his land with his horses. He was a founding member of The Central Kentucky Draft Horse and Mule Association. He was an advocate for rural life who enjoyed teaching and mentoring others. He was a storyteller who loved engaging with people. And he took a special delight in bringing his draft animals to parades and community events and bringing joy to neighbors young and old. D.L. was a man who had dreams and brought them to life. He was a life well-lived. In death, D.L. was preceded by siblings, Eldon Routte, Gene H. Routte, E.T. Routte, and Marlin Routt Carroll. He is survived by his daughter, Donna J. Patteson; step-granddaughter, Kiley Vinson (Ben); step-grandson, Thomas Patteson (Lily); step-great grandchildren, Molly, Elizabeth, and Eleanor; and many nieces and nephews. D.L. was blessed to have much love and support from recent caregivers, Dottie Rudolech and Debra Johnson; former caregiver, Robin Music, and Hosparus Health of Central Kentucky. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Monday at Brown Funeral Home with the Rev. Ben Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Hardin Memorial Park. Visitation is from 2-6 p.m. Sunday and will continue from 9-11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to donor's favorite charity. Condolences may be expressed online at www.brownfuneral.com.

Visitation:

Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Brown Funeral Home

Monday, September 9, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Brown Funeral Home

Service:

Monday, September 9, 2019 starting at 11:00 AM
Brown Funeral Home