Warren Howard Col. Delker

He was born to Frank and Nellie Delker of Chapman, Kansas on February 3, 1915. A graduate of Dickenson County High School, Col. Delker attended Kansas Wesleyan University for three years before attending Army Air Force Pilot Training in Ontario, CA.

After being commissioned as an officer and receiving his wings, Col. Delker married his college sweetheart, Glenna. They were married for 62 wonderful years.

Col. Delker initially served as an instructor pilot before being selected as a B-29 Aircraft Commander. In 1944, Col. Delker completed his B-29 training at Herrington, KS and was assigned to the 497th Bomb Group on Saipan in the Marianna Islands.

Col. Delker flew as Lead Aircraft Commander on numerous bombing missions to Japan including the famous low-level Tokyo Fire Raids of March 9-13, 1945.

For his valor, Col. Delker was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses.

At the conclusion of WWII, Col. Delker remained in the Air Force.

He again served his country as an aircraft commander during the Berlin Airlift and flew C-124's all over the world with the Military Air Transport Service, MATS.

Col. Delker retired from active duty after 24 years of service and worked with Civil Service for many years.

Upon retirement, the Delkers moved to Air Force Village II in San Antonio where they spent their final years.

Col. Delker was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Glenna. They are survived by their son, Lt. Col. Brad Delker of Edmond, OK.