Barry Lynn DeLau

1943 - 2022

Barry DeLau, former Sheriff in Isabella County, Michigan, passed away Friday, October 14, 2022, at Woodland Hospice House. He was 79. Barry was born February 21, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan, son of the late Arthur Gilbert and June Janette (Christian) DeLau. He graduated from Perry High School in 1961 and served in the Army National Guard. He moved from Bath to Mt. Pleasant in the mid 1960's. His marriage to Mary Jo Fortino was blessed with two children, Lisa and Barry II. After graduating from the police academy, he worked as an officer for 17 years before running for Sheriff of Isabella County. In 1988, in his first bid to become Sheriff, he won the election and began the first of his four terms, retiring in 2005. Sheriff DeLau was well known for inducting two loyal German Shepherd Police Officers into the community: Major and Shadow. That companionship became a vital resource to law enforcement throughout Isabella County. Sheriff DeLau implemented several programs during his tenure. One that many remember, and utilizing trustees from the county jail, was the removal of deer that had been struck by automobiles. Barry was an avid hunter and fisher and cherished time spent on the water. He also enjoyed rebuilding cars. He spent his recent winters in Okeechobee, FL where he met and became very close friends with Roger and Betty Lee Rayburn and Jim and Dixie Honeycutt. While he may have been intimidating to many, Barry was a softie when it came to his grandchildren. He rarely missed the opportunity to attend one of their many sporting events. He will be remembered fondly for his years of service to the community. Barry is survived by his two children, Lisa (Don) Schneider of Beal City and Barry (Debra) DeLau II of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Jordan Schneider (and fiance', Justin Koehler), Mackenzie Schneider, Cross DeLau, and Hailey DeLau; his fiancée, Patricia Carter and her children, Deborah (Tony) Barreto and David Warr; siblings, Joan DeLau, Candy Whitscell, Joey Darmogray, and Jo Ellen Darmogray; in-laws, Sandy and Joe Falsetta of Mt. Pleasant, Jim Fortino of Port Charlotte, FL, and Teresa and Greg Best of Cedar Rapids, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and June DeLau; stepfather, Joe Darmogray; wife, Mary Jo Fortino-DeLau; brother and sister in-law, Ross and Peg DeLau; brother in-law, Bobby Fortino; and nephew, Todd DeLau. Barry's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 21, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with Deacon Larry Fussman officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and on Friday on hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held in Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home) immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice House or the Michigan Sheriff's Association. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com. www.CharlesRLux.com