Walter Delph

Walter Johnson Delph, age 94, born on January 26, 1932, in the serene hills of Laurel County, Kentucky, gracefully left this world on February 19, 2026, at Hoosier Health and Rehabilitation in Brownstown, Indiana with his family by his side. He was a man whose life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and the joyous company of family and friends.

Walter was known for his witty charm and kind-hearted spirit, a gentle soul who embodied a mild temperament that endeared him to everyone who crossed his path. His heart found its greatest joys in the laughter of his beloved grandbabies, whom he adored unconditionally.

Walter’s passions were diverse; he embraced the great outdoors with enthusiasm. He reveled in fishing, hunting, and the art of gardening, pouring heartfelt care into the flowers he cultivated, which bloomed as vibrant as the joy he brought to those around him. He also found thrill in the excitement of dirt track racing, a testament to his zest for life.

He is survived by his loving family, including his son, Randy Delph, and his wife Darlene of Brownstown, Indiana; his daughters, Carolyn Krieger of Seymour, Indiana, and Cheryl Anderson and her husband Roy of Seymour, Indiana; his brother, Larry Delph of Brownstown, Indiana; and his sister, Joyce Barnard of Seymour, Indiana. Walter’s legacy continues through his eleven grandchildren: Richelle (Bryan) Kovener, Elise (Brad) Watkins, Kristi (Wade) Banister, Eric (Breighan) Krieger, Ryan (Julie) Delph, Kelley (Patrick) Whitson, Brianna (Wes) Spray, Natasha Tapia (Logan Kellner), Alex Tapia, Samual Luttrell (Ashley Herman), Destiny (Chris) Schneider, Duston Luttrell, and Andy (Michelle) Anderson, along with Kelly (Michael) Pumphrey. His family tree flourished with twenty-three great-grandchildren, Preston Kovener, Jordan Watkins, Brooklyn Reynolds, Dayton (Marissa) Watkins, Gracelyn Watkins, Nate (Micah) Banister, Drew Banister (Kylie Campbell), Maeleigh Banister, Remi Delph, Kelbi Delph, Emery Whitson, Lila Spray, Mia Spray, Evan Schneider, Gabe Tapia, Oliver Tapia, Marlowe Kellner, Otis Kellner, Kailynn Spivey, Paisely Anderson, Emily Pumphrey, Tucker Pumphrey, Flint Pumphrey. Two great-great-grandchildren, Bentlee Reynolds and Natalee Reynolds, ensuring that his legacy of love blossoms through generations.

Walter's journey through life was not without sorrow and loss. He was preceded in death by his father, Simon Delph, and mother, Zema Barnett Delph, as well as his beloved wife of thirty-nine years, Jean Allen Delph, who was the mother of his children. He also mourned the loss of his second wife, Sandy Owens Delph, whom he cherished for eighteen years. Walter faced the heartache of losing his son, Danny Delph, and several siblings, including brothers Junior, Lonnie, Arlie, and Leroy Delph, and sisters Mattie Wheeler and Veda Delph. The absence of his son-in-law, Nick Krieger, further deepened the chapters of grief in his life.

A visitation and funeral service to celebrate Walter's extraordinary life will be held on February 26, 2026, at Christensen Family Funeral Home - Winklepleck Chapel located at 320 N. High Street, Brownstown, Indiana, where family and friends can come together to honor a man whose warmth and kindness touched so many lives. 

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home with funeral services beginning at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown, Indiana.

Walter Johnson Delph’s spirit will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew him, a testament to a life well-lived, enriched by an ever-expanding family and a love for life that will continue to inspire.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Hoosier Health and Living Auxiliary or Brownstown Church of the Nazarene.

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.