In loving memory of Jack Leonard Delauter - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Master Chief Delauter enlisted in the United States Navy in 1960. He attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Radioman “A” School in Bainbridge, Maryland. During his first enlistment he served on many destroyers and a light guided missile cruiser. After reenlisting he changed his rating to Signalman. He served 3 tours in the Republic of Vietnam, of which he only says “wrong reasons, wrong war, wrong leaders, poor decisions, too many KIA, WIA, MIA, all for nothing.”

During his career Master Chief Delauter attended Underwater Swim School, Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Warfare School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, Diver Second Class School, Diver First Class School and Saturation Diver School. He was selected and successfully passed the grueling 5-week Master Diver Evaluation Course and was awarded the diver-coveted Master Diver designation.

His awards include: Navy Achievement Medal 2 stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Meritorious Unit Citation, Navy Sea Service Ribbon, Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Ribbon, Navy Pistol Expert Ribbon with E, Navy Rifle Expert Ribbon with E, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 3 stars. Vietnam Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon with 5 stars.

Master Chief Master Diver Delauter spent the last years of his career as an instructor at the Naval Diving and Training Center in Panama City, Florida. During this time he married what he calls the “Anchor of his life,” Janet, who has kept him grounded and steady in all his endeavors. “Every man should have a Janet in his life,” are words often spoken by this former Master Chief. Master Chief Delauter Retired from the United States Navy in September 1990, after 30 years of Naval Service.

He leaves behind his faithful wife, brother and sister-in-law, a son, 3 daughters, and 4 stepchildren which he never considered as stepchildren but his children.
And Master Chief Delauter leaves you with these words: “See you on the other side.”

Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, August 23, 2024, 10am-12pm at Baldwin Brothers – Tavares. 1350 E. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, Florida, 32778.

Immediately following the Memorial Visitation, the Patriot Guard Riders (those who escort veterans to their final resting place) will provide an escort to the Interment with Honor Guard Services to be held at 130pm at Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell). 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513

In lieu of Flowers, Family request donations be made to The Navy Master Divers Scholarship Fund in Jack’s Memory. https://navydivers.org/scholarship/

Why the American Flag is Folded 13 Times
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembering of the veterans of departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor the mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughter for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and Solomon, and glorifies in the eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold in the eyes of a Christian citizen represents the emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “in God We Trust.” After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.