WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mervel Richard “Dick” Delp, age 84, of Colon, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Beacon Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Mervel was born on February 11, 1942 in Albion, the son of the late Mervel Ammel “Merv” and Lillie Jean (Murphy) Delp.
Mervel spent his entire life in Colon. He graduated from Colon High School with the Class of 1961 and attended Glen Oaks Community College for a time following graduation. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Richmond and the USS Zellars. His service included both the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam era. He was honorably discharged in October of 1967.
Upon returning home, Mervel began his career at Sturgis Tool and Die, where he worked for 48 years before retiring.
Mervel was a deeply involved and dedicated member of his community. He was a life member of the VFW, a member of the Masons for more than 40 years, a life member of Tin Can Sailors, and a 60-year member of the Colon American Legion Post 454. He was also a member of the Colon Lions Club, the Elks Club, and the Commanders and Chiefs Club. Mervel served on the Colon Village Council for more than 25 years and was a member of the Magic Hall of Fame. He was especially known for his role as the Colon American Legion Santa, a tradition he carried on for more than 30 years before passing it on to his son, Richard.
Mervel is survived by his children, Lisa L. Delp of Colon and Richard M. (Crystal) Delp of Colon; grandchildren, Chase Delle, Austin “Miles” Jacobs, Caitlyn Clipfell, Breayna Delp, and Ayden Delp; great-grandchildren, Lauren Delle, Coleson Delle, Harper Delle, and Colson Lynd; his sister, Gloria (Marvin) Sanderson of Mendon; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mervel was preceded in death by his siblings, Judy Delp, Retha Fay, Nancy Delp, and Danny Delp; and his granddaughter, Alissa Jacobs.
The Delp family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Schipper Funeral Home, LTD. in Colon. A funeral service celebrating Mervel’s life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1:00, with Pastor David Elmore officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colon Athletic Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
