Daniel L. "Dan" Delk 67 of Richmond died unexpectedly January 11, 2011 at Reid Hospital. He was born December 13, 1943 in Greenville, Ohio and lived in Richmond most of his life.

Mr. Dan Delk joined the Indiana National Guard in April 1965 at the rank of private. He joined Company D (Rangers), 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, in Richmond, Indiana. He began his career as a federal technician for the Indiana National Guard as a general mechanic at Organizational Maintenance Shop 5 in Richmond, Indiana on February 20, 1966. Some of the many units he was a member of during his more than forty years of service were 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), 738th Support Battalion, and Joint Forces Headquarters – Indiana. Dan also served in units within the 76th Infantry Brigade and the 38th Infantry Division.

On June 7, 1981 Dan was promoted to the shop foreman of Organizational Maintenance Shop 5. Mr. Delk was appointed as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 on March 28, 1983. As a shop foreman, he worked with supported units to ensure all military equipment was properly maintained. His shop worked with approximately ten to twelve units during his tenure as shop foreman. Dan remained the shop foreman until his retirement as a federal technician on July 1, 2000.

Mr. Delk started working for the Indiana National Guard as the Mobilization Readiness Officer in our Logistics Office in October of 2000. He coordinated resources for unit mobilizing and demobilizing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mr. Delk worked tirelessly to ensure Indiana National Guard units were set up for success for their deployments into harm's way. He worked with installations across the country to ensure Indiana National Guard units were properly supported during the time the units were at the mobilization station. Dan traveled extensively performing his duties as the Mobilization Readiness Officer. Dan retired from the Indiana National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in December 2005.

In March 2009 Mr. Delk took a position with the Indiana National Guard as the Surface Maintenance Manager. Dan managed the Indiana National Guard equipment fleet to ensure they were properly maintained. Dan supervised 23 satellite maintenance shops that consisted of over 350 employees. He continued to work the mobilization requirements for units during this time. In addition to his National Guard service he was a member of Harry Ray American Legion Post #65.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed helping people and his antique cars.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years Pat, two children Danny (MeLita) Delk of Markleville, and Trisha (Scott) Wilson of Richmond, four grandchildren Christopher and Abigail Wilson, and twins Justin and Jennifer Delk.

One brother Tom (Marilyn) Delk of Fountain City, four sisters Nancy Laughlin of Whitewater, Bobbie (Phil) Hilling of Kinston, North Carolina, Becky Vosmeier of Seymour, and Michelle (Perry) Taylor of Abington, nieces and nephews, his beloved pets Annie and Rags, and his many, many friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Clarabell Laughlin, one brother Jimmy Laughlin, and one nephew Christopher Laughlin.

A celebration of life and military honors presented by the Indiana National Guard will be 4:30 PM Saturday January 15, 2011, at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home. Friends may call 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Riley Children's Foundation for The Little Red Wagon 30 South Meridian Street Suite 200 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, Help the Animals 2101 West Main Street Richmond, Indiana 47374, or Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County, Jeffers Unit 1717 South L Street Richmond, Indiana 47374.