By KATHY WILLIAMS
Guest Columnist
Richard M. Dellinger wasn’t born in Noblesville, but he sure was one of Noblesville’s favorite sons.
Mr. D, as I have always called him since graduating from Noblesville High School, taught thousands of students over a span of 38 years. Most of us had him for Government, a subject he certainly taught from his heart.
It was in the latter part of those years at NHS that he served in the Indiana General Assembly for 20 years from 1972 to 1992 as State Representative.
He was such a leader and a statesman who represented Noblesville and surrounding areas with great stature. He was so articulate in presenting an issue that it led him to being the elected Republican Floor leader for many years. Serving in leadership, his role was to promote the priorities and polices of his party, and no one did it better. The best part was the sense of humor he could add to a subject to bring not only interest but also understanding to an important issue. He knew the right things to say and do when making a point.
There was no better example than when he wasn’t being recognized by the Democratic House Speaker during the 50-50 House split. While sitting in the front row of the chamber, he jumped up and stood on his desk. Not sure he was ever recognized by the Speaker, but it certainly was a photo that received a lot of attention.
In addressing issues important to him he didn’t always make a lot of friends on the other side of the aisle, but for sure he always stood firm in his beliefs.
When thinking about his time in the General Assembly, there is not enough room in this column to address all his accomplishments while at the Statehouse or the influence he had over the entire state. I just know he served the State of Indiana and his constituents well.
In 1992, when he decided to leave the House of Representatives and run for the State Senate, he called and asked me to consider a run in his place. My term as Hamilton County Clerk was ending and he thought I should make a run for it. I would have never had the courage to run without his encouragement.
In the summer of 1992 when he decided not to run for the Senate, he called on another former student to take his place. Luke Kenley ran in a caucus to fill the ballot vacancy and went on to win the Senate seat in the general election that year.
At that time, I think Dick had a lot of pride knowing two of his former students were elected and serving in the General Assembly at the same time. I am sure Luke would agree we certainly gained a lot from his mentorship through our time at the Statehouse.
For those who remember Dick Dellinger from their high school days, remember his loyalty to our school and the Millers. He was the voice of the Millers for many years announcing home football and basketball games. I can still hear him saying here comes the Millers as they ran on to the field or court! I am sure the visiting teams were not always as happy to hear him announcing the games as we were. He loved his students and his Millers.
There was nothing better than at sectional, usually at Carmel, when he would get in front of our cheer block and lead a round of “give me an M” spelling out Millers. He could always get the crowd excited showing our true Miller Pride. School spirit was important, and he was the Master.
Dick was always out in the community, especially when there was an auction going on. We would see him at the O.V. Winks building at the fairgrounds on Saturday mornings at Don Bailey’s auction. Those Saturday mornings were kind of like a weekly reunion of friends who not only liked a good auction but just like to be able to sit around and visit. He was always good for telling a joke as soon as he saw you.
Dick will always be remembered as a teacher and a statesman and so much more.
His wife Jan, a Noblesville graduate, is what brought Dick to Noblesville. He grew up in Elwood, but fortunately they met, and Noblesville is where they made their home and raised their two sons, Rick and Mike.
I know over the next few days there will be many great Dick Dellinger stories to tell. Enjoy them and treasure them. Noblesville lost a great one this week. I know I am one of many who will always be grateful for his service to our community and the state. We all agree he was one a kind, a guy you will never forget, and we have been blessed that he touched so many of our lives.
Former State Representative Kathy Williams now serves as the Hamilton County Clerk.
* * *
Click here to read Dick Dellinger’s obituary.