John Lucious
'Red' DeLoach
John Lucious "Red" DeLoach, a veteran of World War II, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2021, at almost 102 years of age. Red, as he was affectionately known due to the color of his hair, was born on October 26, 1919, to John and Louise DeLoach in Valdosta, Georgia. Red and his eight siblings were raised in Bradenton, Florida.
On April 17, 1935, at the age of 15, Red joined the Florida Army National Guard and served until August 30, 1942, when he joined the regular Army and served in the Army Air Corps. During WWII, Red was stationed in England and flew 26 missions over Germany as the top turret gunner on a B-24 bomber. After the war, he flew missions during the Berlin Airlift. On November 10, 1948, Red joined the United States Air Force when the Army Air Corps was disbanded. He continued on flight status for several years, both in England and France, before becoming an aircraft maintenance instructor. Red was also in the first group of NCOs to make the ranks of E-8 and E-9. On August 31, 1965, after serving his country for more than 27 years, he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant while serving in the 507th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan.
The intense pride Red had in serving his country was matched only by the pride of marrying his beautiful bride, Ruth, in November of 1945. They were married for over 50 years and were blessed with the births of their daughters, Cheryl, and Betty. Red and Ruth raised their daughters in the typical military lifestyle, moving around quite a bit, but they eventually settled in Delaware and provided an amazing life for their family. They ultimately retired to Lazy Lake in Milton, Del., a wonderful place that lived up to its name. Red was actually the first Mayor of Lazy Lake. Sadly, Red was preceded in death by all his siblings, his wife, and his daughters.
Red is survived by his grandchildren, Alison, Dan, John, Greer, and Ben. He was quite an ornery and amusing character and was a living history book, teaching his grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren about growing up during the Depression, sharing amazing stories about his time in the war, and just passing on life's biggest lessons such as 'chocolate cures every ailment'! When his family would leave, he never said goodbye. He would give a wink, and say, "See you in the funny papers!"
The family of Red wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the Delaware Veterans Home for the outstanding care and compassion he received while residing there. The team of professionals, support staff, and volunteers were selfless and treated Red and the other residents with the utmost respect.
Red's family has organized a funeral service to honor his life which will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, Del. on Monday, August 30, 2021, at 12 noon. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Red's name to the Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963 so that Delaware's heroes can continue to get the highest quality of care they deserve.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shortfuneral- servicesandcremation.com