Jerry Alan De Lay

May 20, 1952 – June 24, 2026

If you asked Jerry how he was doing, chances are he'd grin and answer, "Mean, miserable, and hard to get along with." Anyone who knew him knew the joke wasn't true, but it always drew a chuckle. Behind the familiar line was a man whose steady presence, generous heart, and quiet strength shaped the lives of his family and close friends.

Jerry Alan De Lay passed away on June 24, 2026, in Modesto, California, surrounded by the family he loved deeply. Just over two weeks earlier, on June 7, he was baptized into Christ. This meaningful decision brought him great peace and was made possible through the combined efforts of the Merced and Chowchilla churches of Christ.

Born on May 20, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois to Lurel Alfred "Al" De Lay and MaryAnn (Schumacher) De Lay, Jerry was the eldest of five children. He spent a happy childhood in the Chicago suburbs, playing with the 75 kids on his block, mowing and shoveling snow for elderly neighbors, and tagging along with his father on hunting and fishing excursions. During his teen years, he moved to Buena Park, California and graduated from Savannah High School in 1970. Soon after, he moved to the central San Joaquin Valley where he met his future wife, Susie Amis, at a bowling alley. They were married for 52 years and raised three children in Chowchilla.

Jerry worked for 35 years as a forklift operator at CertainTeed. He also spent many of his days off doing handyman work to earn extra money to support his family and the hobbies he enjoyed. Outside of his profession, he was a gifted carpenter whose precision and craftsmanship earned the admiration of everyone who saw his work. From cabinets and shelves to home renovation projects, he built high-quality pieces that were made to last.

Jerry believed if something needed to be done, you simply did it, a philosophy reflecting his dependability and initiative. In the years following his father’s passing, he devoted countless hours to caring for his mother and her home, never wanting her to be alone or have cause for worry. Jerry did not trust easily, but once that trust was earned, you had a friend for life. He always arrived early, often by hours, because to him, being early was the only way to be on time. If someone needed help, Jerry was there, usually with the right tool and a willingness to try. This was no accident. If you ever looked inside his truck, chances were it held exactly what was needed because he carried just about everything with him. He took great pride in always being prepared.

Jerry found great joy in making things with his hands. Woodworking, carving, leatherwork, fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and grilling were more than hobbies; they were opportunities to express his creativity. His resourcefulness was legendary, as many of his projects began with materials he already had on hand. Extra PVC pipe was converted into racks above the washer to keep hangers at the ready. Empty Altoids tins found new life as custom pocket survival kits featuring hand-tooled leather. He also transformed fallen tree branches into works of art with his hand-carved and painted images, stones, and leather accents.

Family remained at the center of Jerry's life. He loved gathering everyone around the table, preparing meals that could feed a small army. If corn on the cob was on the menu, you were expected to eat no fewer than six ears. If you failed to meet expectations, he’d say, “You better finish that or it’s not going to be a nice day tomorrow.” He always enjoyed visiting with his mother over coffee and pie, reminiscing about their years in Illinois. These conversations became one of her favorite traditions as well. His grandchildren knew him as a fun Papa, who liked to laugh and surprise them with hand-made gifts like leather bracelets, knife sheaths, and rings. His wife and children knew every goodbye included a vehicle inspection, snacks, produce from the garden, and a big hug followed by, “Call me when you get there.”

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Susie De Lay; his children, Ann De Lay (Jason Eatmon) of Los Osos, California; Kari (Wayne) Kahl of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia; and Alan De Lay of Chowchilla, California. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Wyatt Kahl, Bailey Kahl, Reagan Eatmon, and Quinn Eatmon; his mother, MaryAnn De Lay of Chowchilla, California; his siblings, Rick (Barbara) De Lay of Cherry Valley, California, Barbara (Mike) Gates of Lake George, Colorado, Janet Stewart of Burns, Oregon, and sister-in-law Tammie De Lay of Chowchilla, California; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lurel Alfred "Al" De Lay; his brother, Keith De Lay; and his mother and father-in-law, Lois and Nolan Ketner.

Though he is deeply missed, Jerry’s family takes great comfort in knowing he obeyed the Gospel of Jesus. His legacy lives on in the things he created, the traditions he cherished, and in every life he made better.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., held at Merced Church of Christ, 2050 Yosemite Parkway, Merced, California.

Please join us in remembering Jerry Alan DeLay by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the DeLay Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger