Thomas Vernon DeLay

He was born September 13, 1929 in Anderson, IN, the son of Thomas DeLay and Bessie Martin. He married Bonnie L. Cain in August, 1956; she preceded him in death in 2004, along with two brothers and two sisters.

Mr. DeLay was a resident of Springfield for 38 years.

He grew up in Anderson, IN and Waukegan, IL. He graduated from Anderson University with a degree in business. He worked for the State of Illinois, in the Public Aid, Lottery, and Department of Revenue as a data processing manager. He was member of First Presbyterian Church. Music was the joy of his life, especially the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Mr. DeLay played clarinet while serving in the 8th Army Band during the Korean War alongside luminaries such as Andre Previn. In addition to being a lifelong church choir member, he sang with several area performing groups, including the Springfield Choral Society and the Springfield Symphony Chorus. Mr. DeLay was also an accomplished pilot and enthusiastic boater.

Surviving are daughter Carla DeLay of Springfield and companion Samuel Long, as well as son Brian DeLay and daughter-in-law Colleen Kelly, both of San Antonio, TX; nieces Marjorie Larson of Waukegan, IL, Ellen Clipsham of Kenosha, WI, and Doug DeLay of McKinney, TX; granddaughters, Sarah DeLay and Rachel DeLay, both of San Antonio, TX.

A viewing will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 11 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel; funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 12, 11 a.m. The Rev. Clifford Hayes will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony.