David Welles Delano

World War II - Korea

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Distinguished Flying Cross, Navigator, Air Medal, Korean Service, United Nations Korean Service

B-24 Navigator during World War II, B-26 Navigator with fifty combat missions in Korea.

B-24 Liberator
B-26 Avenger

Message at the Cross on July 30th, 2024

Today we are honoring the memory of two very special people, Derelys and David Delano.  David Welles Delano was born on New Years Eve 1924, in Long Beach California to Edward W Delano and And Margaret Olive Kingman.  He started his college career at Stanford University and then joined the United States Airforce and fought in World War II.  He trained to be a Navigator, served in the 420^th Bombardment Squadron and was honorably discharged as a 2^nd LT in December 1945.

Meanwhile, Derelys Wainright  came onto the scene on August 8, 1926.  Derelys parents Clarence Richard Wainright and Ann Belle Wainwright lived in Cucumonga.  Derelys was raised in Cucumonga and attended Chaffey High School.  Derelys met David during his service in the Airforce.  They fell in love quickly and Married Dec 10, 1945 shortly after David completed his service in WWII.  In the next two years Derelys gave birth to Daran.  From 1945 to 1949 David attended Reed  College  and then graduated from University of Oregon in 1949.  He then got his masters degree from San Diego State and taught High school in San Diego while skippering fishing boats on weekends.  

The United States AirForce tapped David to serve again, this time as  a Navigator Bombadier with the 8^th Special Ops Bomber Squadron in the Korean War.  He flew over 50 missions, earning the Flying Cross.  He safely returned to San Diego in late 1952.

In the next two years,  Derelys gave birth to Darcy and Dave turned to private enterprise after meeting with Silverman and Peterson the Founders of Jack-in-the Box.  He started flipping burgers in their original Jack in the Box in San Diego and then was offered a job to find locations so the Company could build more JIBS.  His job offer included a good salary and a percentage of the companys stock. Later JIB was sold to Ralston Purina and after finding 700 JIB locations  he and Derelys retired in 1981.  After that, David devoted himself to running a sport fishing Boat (or Boats) and traveled the world with Derelys and family members.  Many of you have been on fishing trips to Cabo, other parts of Mexico and Catalina where David loved to take friends and family.  Most close friends and family members can share some great boat stories and fishing escapades on Captain Daves different boats until just a few years ago when he was unable to take the boat out by himself.  Dave loved the smell of Salt Water and just being at Sea.

We all remember Derelys as one of the most giving and positive people you would ever encounter.  She was a founding Member of Childhelp USA and involved in other charitable organizations and was known for helping those in need.  Derelys impacted many of Darans and Darcys friends with her wisdom and made the world a better and brighter place.  She was always kind and encouraging to others and was known as Mom to many.  Her bigger than life spirit and love for her family and extended family and close family friends was known to all.

When Derelys and David were not traveling or on trips with the family they enjoyed a bottle of Chardonnay while sitting on the Promenade at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.  This was their favorite spot close to home and where they hosted Darans and Darcys Birthday Parties every year.  The family always loved spending the day at the Beach and then having a Beach Barbeque at night.  Spending time watching their Children, Grandchildren , Great Grandchildren grow up and enjoy the Beach was the highlight of the past 10 years for them.  This was equally important to us, spending quality time with them.

After almost 78 years of Marriage, Dave died at age 98 on June 23rd, 2023.  Derelys followed him 7 months later and passed on Feb 8, 2024 at the age of 97.  Both died peacefully, beloved by family and Caregivers in their long time La Jolla home.  

The family appreciates each of you joining them today to remember Derelys and Dave.  Family members include Daughters Daran Grimm and Darcy Delano Smith, Darans husband Ray Grimm Jr. , grandchildren Mattson Smith, Cameron Smith Barbier and husband Matt Barbier, Danica Grimm and Darah Roslyn and husband Marshall Roslyn.  The Delanoes were blessed to have 5 adorable greatgrandchildren Darah Ciulli, Juliette and Welles Roslyn, and Blake and Pippa Barbier.