Obituary
Donald R. Delp Sr was born December 20, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, and died October 31, 2021 in Ocala, Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emma Puffer Delp and Lawrence Raymond Delp, sister Carolyn (Delp) Funk and survived by his wife, Nancy Delp; sister, Patsy Delp, children Don Delp Jr (Kirstin) and Joni Delp; and grandchildren, Raymond Delp, Ellen Delp, Johanna Delp.
Growing up, Don spent his summers on the farm, and the rest of the time with his family. Don served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Arizona, Iceland, and Guam. After his time in the military, he worked alongside his father at The Gray Line bus company before a move to Jockey until he retired in 1994.
The big highlight of his life was his own family. Don and Nancy met in Chicago and were married in 1961. They began a life together that would prove full of adventure, love, and supporting each other through every challenge they faced. Their two children, Don Jr and Joni, filled out their family perfectly. Together they moved from Chicago to Burnsville MN to Albert Lea MN to Des Moines IA. No matter where they were located, Don kept the family together, celebrating holidays and going on family vacations, including trips to Green Bay for Packer training camp.
In 2003, Don and Nancy moved to Ocala to enjoy retirement in a warmer climate. Don relished playing golf, meeting with the men, spending time with friends, and looked forward to visits from his kids/grandchildren – spending weeks in Minnesota and Florida with everyone. He had plenty of advice to share with any who looked even a bit interested.
Always willing to support family and friends, his cheerful energy and sense of humor carried him through life. He collected keepsakes to display, reminding him of the many relationships he developed throughout his lifetime. Don Sr had a sparkle in his eyes and an energy that couldn’t be beat!
A memorial service will be held Friday, November 7, 2021, 11am at Countryside Presbyterian Church in Ocala, Florida. A light luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions be made to one of Don’s favorite charities – the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation (palmerfoundation.org) or to Hospice of Marion County (hospiceofmarion.com/donate).
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