September 12, 1945 – October 7, 2018
Frederick Eugene “Fred” Delph, 73, Sheridan, passed away Sunday evening, October 7, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at Riverview Health in Noblesville. Born September 12, 1945 in Ekin, Ind., he was the son of the late Luther K. Delph, Jr. and Norma Jean (Tudor) Delph.
After graduating from Tipton High School with the Class of 1964, Fred entered the workforce. He worked as a machinist for Firestone, FMC in Tipton for 18 years, and for Biddle’s in Sheridan; retiring in 2008 after 23 years with the company. Fred also worked as a self-employed carpenter and roofer. For several years he worked with his brother Stan doing construction projects. One of the many projects he helped with over the years was the construction of the Ekin Odd Fellows Lodge building. Fred was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Ekin, as well as a member of the East Union Christian Church.
Fred leapt at just about every opportunity he had to go camping. It gave him some time to get in a little hunting and fishing, but more importantly, it gave him the chance to showcase his collection of very unique signs that would hang from the back of his camper; JUST ASK DAN.
Fred was also an Indianapolis Colts fan, as long as they were winning. He loved to race stock cars and was a huge Jeff Gordon fan. NASCAR just wasn’t the same for Fred when the #24 car quit racing.
Family played a very important role in Fred’s life. He spent many years coaching little league when his boys were young and a lifetime following his children’s, grandchildren’s, nieces’ and nephews’ activities. That was no small task.
Fred is survived by his loving wife Judith “Judy” (Duchemin) Payne-Delph. She and Fred were married on November 25, 1991. Also surviving are his two sons, Bill Delph, Atlanta, and Dan Delph (Robbi), Tipton; two step-sons, Johnny Payne (Lori) and Brian Payne (Elizabeth), both of Sheridan; step daughter, Angie Barnard (Phil), Beech Grove; nine grandchildren, Derrick, Dawn, Jennifer, Isabel, Jackson, Kasey, Brody, Riley and Samuel; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Diana Gunkel (David “Skip”), Tipton; brother-in-law, Larry Starrett, Cicero; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Delph, Arcadia. “Mr. Fred” (as he was affectionately known to his nursing staff) is also survived by his granddogs, whom he loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Stan J. and Jimmy Allen Delph; and two sisters, Judy Pearson and Wanda Starrett.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at East Union Cemetery in northern Hamilton County. Pastor George Cooper will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be presented to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements
Calling: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 13
Service: 2 p.m., Oct. 13
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com