Merle Edward Delzell

1931 - 2011

Merle Edward Delzell passed away on Sept. 4, 2011, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was 80 years old.

Merle was born June 15, 1931, in Van Nuys, Calif., to Raymond and Beatrice Delzell. He is survived by Joy, his loving wife of 47 years. Merle grew up in Van Nuys with his brother, Carl Gene, and sister, Norma. After graduating from Van Nuys High School in 1949, Merle enlisted in the Air Force where he proudly served for two years during the Korean War. Upon returning home Merle applied to the Los Angeles City Fire Department and was hired on June 16, 1953. In September 1953, he married Jean Johns with whom he had three children, Rindi, Denise and Ron.

Merle had a rewarding career with the Fire Department, and did his job with integrity and honor. When he was eligible for a promotion, he studied hard and worked his way up the ranks to Captain II. He commanded many incidents as Captain II, and was well respected for his pragmatic and confident stance as a commander. Merle thought of the Fire Department as a second family, and he retired in May of 1980 with many lifetime friends. On Oct. 4, 1964, Merle remarried to Joy Lene Atteberry and they shared an abundant amount of love and respect for one another.

After living in the San Fernando Valley for 14 years, they bought a house in Ojai and created a fine home with Merle's masterful craftsmanship and Joy's fine touch of decorative spice and vintage antique collection. One of the many passions they shared was traveling in their motor home across the United States and up into Canada and Alaska. The quality of Merle's woodworking craftsmanship was superb. All Merle needed was an idea and his creative side became inspired. His innovative woodwork-jewelry boxes, bowls, a freight train for his grandsons, tea cup tables for his granddaughters-are coveted in the homes of his family and friends as decoration and keepsakes.

Merle had a quality you could always depend on. He arose each morning with enthusiasm and never let life's challenges get him down. The love he had for his three children-Rindi, Denise and Ron-was as giant as he was a man. He was there for them in times of joy and sadness. When Ron suddenly passed away in June of 2005 his heart fell into a silent sorrow with the loss of his beloved son. Merle was dedicated to his grandchildren and spent much of his time rising to each occasion of their spirited growth. He was fortunate enough to see them all grow into their late teens, and felt proud of who they were becoming as grown men and women.

Merle, you are a giant of a man, spread your wings into the wild blue yonder and find the stars where Ronnie, Toby and Old Gray are waiting for you. There are no words to describe how much you will be missed, but the eternal love we feel for you will be in our hearts as each day passes without you. May God bless you and keep you forever.

Merle is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Beatrice Delzell; his brother, Carl Gene; sister, Norma; sister-in-law, Bessie Slaydon; and son, Ronald Edward Delzell. Merle is survived by his wife, Joy; daughters, Rindi Levasheff and Denise Delzell; ex-wife, Jean Johns; granddaughters, Megan and Chloe Delzell; grandsons, Scott Delzell, Ryan and Rick Levasheff; great-grandson, Darryl Spain; sister-in-law, Kim Morrow; brothers-in-law, Bob Atteberry (Barbara), Webster Slaydon; nieces, Janet Spiegel, Karen Pelow, Cathy Slaydon, Karla Chance; nephews, Jimmy and James Slaydon, Chad and Clifford Atteberry.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and Palliative Care Team at the Ventura Community Memorial Hospital for their superb care and support. We as a family are grateful for the warm compassion you so unconditionally shared with Merle and us.

It was Merle's wish not to have a service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Widows and Orphans Fund through the Los Angeles City Fire Department Relief Association, 815 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041.