A man of his generation, Delbert W. “Del” Sayers, lived life to the fullest on his terms. Aviation, military and family were his world. Del, of Edison, unexpectedly passed away Friday morning, January 22, 2016 at Heartland of Marion. He was 77.
On January 30, 1938, Del was born in Columbus, OH, the son of the late Homer K. and Elizabeth (Solter) Sayers. He graduated from Edison High School in the Class of 1955.
Del proudly served his country and retired from the United States Army. Del served three tours in Vietnam and was the Outstanding Military Suggestor of the Year in 1978 for the Army, leading to many modifications and improvements on aircraft that are still flying today.
Upon retirement from the U.S. Army, Del spent the next 30 plus years working at several county airports as an aircraft mechanic. He enjoyed continuing his skills he learned from the military and finally retired in 2010.
On March 15, 1959, Del married the love of his life, Sally Ann Dunbar at Trinity United Methodist Church in Mount Gilead. They shared over 56 wonderful years together as husband and wife.
Del was a lifelong member of the Denmark United Methodist Church. He also served many years as a Canaan Township Trustee and was a stout Republican.
Del enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical. He loved to read all kinds of books and was an avid patron of the local library.
Family was important to Del. He especially enjoyed the time up at their family cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, enjoying the many outdoor activities.
Del will be dearly missed by his wife, Sally, of Edison; two children: Trish (Bob) Ward of Coldwater, MI, Cathy Rabb of Clarkstown, MI; five grandchildren: Morgan, Bobby, Katie, Jesse, Dalton; two great grandchildren: Natalie and Kora; a sister, Marge (Bud) DePalerno of Aiken, SC; and three brothers: Dave Sayers of Marion, Edward (Becky) Sayers and Jim (Denise) Sayers, both of Edison.
A memorial service to celebrate and honor Del’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Denmark United Methodist Church, 2036 State Route 95, Edison, OH 43320, with Pastor Dave Smith and Pastor Bob Ward officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by active duty U.S. Army, VFW Post 8054 and AmVets Post 87.
Rather than flowers, Del’s family asks memorial contributions be made to the Denmark United Methodist Church.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve the Sayers family, and your condolences and special memories may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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