Stanley L. Delp
Stanley L. Delp passed away peacefully Sunday May 6, 2007, in Palm Springs, Calif.
Stan was born in Denver, Colo. July 10, 1931. He was the fourth of seven children . . . and that is the way he liked and lived life . . . right in the middle of everything, with a happy smile and loving and fun way.
No person was a stranger to him, and because of his easygoing manner, he was loved by many. Stan enjoyed helping others with his many skills and talents in electrical, plumbing, home projects, and vehicle repair. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, or just people in need along the road.
Stan married Jean (Ellison) March 31, 1952, and just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Stan was raised in the Yakima Valley and attended Parker Heights schools. In high school he was involved with 4-H and band, where he played the base fiddle. He had a love of animals. Growing up he had many rabbits, pigs, cows, lambs, and dogs. His favorite pets were a Billy goat and horses. His horses were his main form of transportation around the Yakima valley before he was able to buy a car. He had many stories to tell about all of his animals and his adventures.
Stan was a good husband, father, and provider. His careers included working on barges in Pasco, working for Boeing in Seattle, working for Johnson Agriprises by Connell doing their irrigation and electrical and developing a friendship that has spanned over 40 years. He loved to travel and him and wife Jean did relief work for Imperial Motels traveling from Washington to California. Still wanting more adventures, in his early 60's he decided to become a long haul truck driver, where he was able to travel to 46 of our states plus British Columbia. During his travels he discovered Caliente Springs RV Park in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., which became his second home. There he also worked part time in the park, and again he was able to help people and to meet new friends.
Stan's family was very important to him and he loved to be a part of his huge extended family gatherings. He was known for his (and Jean's) homemade ice cream and fun, loving, and teasing ways. He will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife Jean, children Cheryl Lampe, Mike Delp (G. Crockett), Patty Gallegos - Stephens (Mike Stephens), brothers Arlin Delp (Vickie), Doug Delp (Joanne) and Vernon Delp (Sybil) and brother-in-law Lyle West (Dolores).
His grandchildren are Jennifer (Craig) Byers, Lisa (Ron) Evans, Sara (Dustin) Haynes, Melanie (Josh) Stair, Daniel (Amy) Delp, Amanda Gallegos, Benjamin Gallegos, and Jordan Gallegos.
His great-grandchildren are Kayla, Michael, and Jayson Byers, Gavin and Zeke Haynes, Jasmine Delp, Kennedey Smith, and David Delp. Plus, he is survived by numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and family members.
He was preceded in death by infant daughter Karen Delp, parents Arley and Bessie Delp, Sisters Vernice Rausch and Dorie West, Brother Aaron Delp, and sons-in-law Ben Gallegos and Mike Lampe.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stan Delp Memorial Fund.
Stan's Celebration of Life Service will be held May 26 at noon at Parker Heights Presbyterian Church near Wapato. And in the Delp family tradition, a potluck will follow at the church.