Delon Hampton, PhD, PE 1933 - 2021
Of Potomac, Maryland, died at home on January 14, 2021 from Alzheimer's Disease. Born in Jefferson, Texas on August 23, 1933, Delon grew up poor in Chicago, yet went on to college at the University of Illinois, where he received his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1954. He went on to earn his M.S. (1958) and PhD (1961) in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He taught civil engineering at Kansas State University; oversaw research at the University of New Mexico; and joined the faculty of Howard University in 1968, where he would teach, conduct research, and publish papers for 25 years. Delon was a pioneer in the civil engineering field, founding his own firm, Delon Hampton & Associates (DHA), in 1973 at a time when there were few black-owned engineering companies. DHA would eventually expand to include six more offices in the U.S., growing into a multi-million-dollar company, and winning contracts for high-profile projects including the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, international airports in Atlanta and Washington, DC, as well as metro rail projects in DC, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. In 1999, Delon was elected as the first black President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He spent his life contributing to the profession he loved, encouraging more minorities to pursue engineering as a profession; serving on many professional association boards; and earning many accolades for his work. Delon loved reading nonfiction, playing tennis and golf, and traveling. He and his wife of 27 years, Sonia, traveled the world together. Delon is survived by his wife, four nieces, and predeceased by his brother, Dr. Clarence Everett Douglas, Sr, and a nephew. A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date when health guidelines allow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for DELON HAMPTON

4 Entries

Stephen C Pope

January 12, 2023

Condolences from the Pope family. My deceased parents, William Bill Pope and Arlene Jones Pope were schoolmates at U of I'll.

Daryl A. Mitchell, P.E.

February 26, 2021

Dr. Hampton was my professor at Howard University; he was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. I had the good fortune of working directly with him in his company for ten years. In addition to 'his ...it's either right or it's wrong, no-partial-credit-due, approach in the classroom'... he helped us develop 'a very, very high level of confidence' as young-Black-Professional-Engineers. His national accomplishments in the Civil Engineering arena were, and will continue to be, inspiring for each one of us. #WeWILLMarchOn

Ed McSpedon

February 5, 2021

I am truly saddened to hear of Dr. Hamptons passing. During my 10 years in charge of engineering and construction of the Los Angeles Metro system and in the years that followed I considered Delon to be one of my mentors, one of my trusted friends and one of my trusted business partners in addition to being one of my excellent professional service providers. One of my most enduring images of this brilliant and personable professional gentleman was that it seemed every time I’d meet him he was always carrying one enormous tome or another. We’d always start our conversations with me asking what he was currently reading. His voracious appetite for reading showed in his broad worldly knowledge.
My sincere condolences to all who loved him.

Angela J. Jones

January 31, 2021

In loving memory of a pioneer. Dr Hampton was my professor at Howard University In the early 80’s. He inspired me with his ability start a very successful, African American owned, multi-disciplined engineering firm. I worked at DHA in Chicago. His Hard work, Teachings, and accomplishments will continue to inspire engineers today and in the years to come. May your family and loved ones find comfort and peace during this difficult time.

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