Melvin Charles "Mel" Delano, Sr.

Melvin Charles “Mel” DeLano, Sr. peacefully passed away on 11/22/2022 at the age of 89. He lived a full and blessed life which began in an Iowa blizzard at his family’s farm outside of Clarion, IA on 04/04/33. He had planned to attain a large animal veterinarian degree from Iowa State University in Ames, IA, but when he graduated from High School he chose to join the United States Air Force to serve his country and where he saw the world. He was stationed in Japan and later entered the Korean War. As a Master Sargent Flight Engineer he was stationed in Seville, Spain, went on alert during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, worked with SAC Rescue and Recovery, he was one of the first to pilot the C130 in- flight refueling of the Jolly Green Giant helicopters during the Viet Nam War. Stationed in the Philippines, Mel served two tours in the Viet Nam War transporting needed goods and personnel in the C130… his beloved Herky Bird. Mel loved serving his country. After 20 years of service, he retired as Chief Master Sargent and he began his second career in forklift sales for Powr Lift in Irving, TX and Long Reach in Houston, TX. He later trained and certified operators in forklift safety, an OSHA requirement.
For enjoyment he loved to support his baseball and football teams, hunt, fish (he was the best), and cook wonderful meals for his friends and family. His absence leaves a huge void. He is greatly missed and will always be remembered.
Mel leaves his wife of 40 years, Rowena DeLano, and his four children from his first wife, Jean Rogers….son, Melvin Charles “Chuck” DeLano, Jr. and his wife, Katie; son, Nick, his wife, Danna, and their sons, Asher and Tex. Mel’s daughter, Renee Michelle Rella and husband, Tony, and their two sons: Glenn Daniells and his wife, Amber, and their children Haley, Gilbert and Grant and son, Matt Rella and his wife, Tosha, and their daughter, Olivia. Mel’s son, Alfred Anthony “Tony” DeLano. Mel’s youngest son, Steven Quinn DeLano and his wife, Tonya. Their children Parker, Avery, Elle, Ashton, Amber, Madison and Savannah. Mel leaves his brother, Larry DeLano, and his wife, Raynee, who reside in Clarion, IA. Preceded in death are his parents Alfred and June DeLano, two brothers, Herbert and Gerald, and sister, Shirley Lerdal. Mel and Row’s lives were greatly enriched by their canine children: Penny, Buddy, Megan, Duke, Gem, Roscoe, Willie and Fritz.