Major USAF (Retired Michael Alan Delventhal

Michael Alan Delventhal, Major USAF (Retired) after 20 years of service, died Monday, March 16 th, 2026, having lived a life defined by service, integrity, friendship and undisputed good common sense. He was born July 5 th, 1954 in Spokane, WA., but lived his early years in Napoleon, Ohio. As a star athlete and universally recognized as 'A Great Guy', Mike graduated from Napoleon High School in 1972. He then received a distinguished appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and graduated as a 2 nd Lieutenant in 1976. Next up was a Master's Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.

In the Air Force, Mike held many important positions: as a navigator on KC-135 tankers and four years guiding the path of an EC-135 Looking Glass aircraft known as the 'Doomsday Plane'. He also flew in Operation Desert Storm and worked on development of the B-1 bomber. In his final years with the Air Force, he served as an instructor at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Ending his service at the rank of Major.

After his military retirement, Mike worked as a Project Manager at Lexmark in Lexington, KY and retired in 2019 from Electrolux in Charlotte, NC.

Returning to civilian life, Mike never lost his personal commitment to friends and family or the solid values instilled from growing up in a small town and serving his nation. To those who knew him over the years, Mike was the embodiment of loyal friendship, kindness and a memorable smile accompanied by sage advice. His sense of humor was never disappointing. He laughed often and brought joy to everyone lucky enough to know him.

In 2020, the dream of living on the coast was fulfilled when he and wife Marianne moved to Carolina Shores, NC. Jazz music, fishing, trivia and attending to his beloved papillons Derby and Yoda occupied his time along with many other family-focused passions. Cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes, as well as the Cleveland Indians and Browns was a key interest as well as discussing sports with his close friends from Calabash Lakes. Trips back to his hometown to visit family and friends were a lifelong priority which included attending every high school reunion possible. Most recently his 50 th in 2022. There were extremely memorable state park vacations at Camp Coyle, let's not forget those. But, make no mistake his favorite trips were spent with his wife, kids, and son-in law anywhere there was water and a good time.

As an Air Force officer, Mike became a dedicated member of the Napoleon, Ohio Bert G. Taylor American Legion Post 300. Later supporting charities such as the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, and Great Harvest Food Bank.

Mike is a member of Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Jean Delventhal. Survived by his loving wife of 34 years Marianne; two children, Derry Delventhal in Liverpool, NY, and Sarah Croke with husband Daniel in Rock Hill, SC; his brother Tom Delventhal in Myrtle Beach, SC; sister Kris Speiser with husband Bret in Napoleon, OH; and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends for viewing on Monday, March 23 rd at 9 am at St. Brendan Church of the Navigator at 5101 Ocean Highway in Shallotte, NC followed by mass at 10 am. Burial will follow at Brunswick Memorial Gardens, where military honors will be accorded by a local honor guard. Join us afterward at the fellowship reception with light lunch in St. Brendan's Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a charity of your choosing.