Joseph Earl Delaney

Deacon Joseph Earl Delaney, age 83, a native if Charleston, South Carolina and resident of San Antonio, Texas for many years departed this life peacefully on January 15, 2018. He was born July 31st, 1934 to mother, Sarah Mae Delaney. He was the third if six children and was the oldest boy of four sisters and one brother. While growing up in Charleston Mr. Delaney was raised in the church and attended Burke High School until the age if 17 before entering the military where he completed his schooling. He spent fours year (August 1951- July 1954) in the Air Force which preceded with a decorated career in the Army July 1954 – Apri11981). He served with the 1st Cavalry 3rd Division, 7th Division and 24th Division and completed Medical Training School in Landstuhl, Germany. Mr. Delaney saw combat in Korea and served in Vietnam from July 1967 to July 1968 before returning to Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas as Medical Training Instructor and Drill Sergeant. He wasn't done there as he returned to Vietnam in December 1969 and remained there until December 1970 before returning home.

Some of the many awards Mr. Delaney received are the Bronze Star, Air Medal and the Vietnam Medal for Valor. His favorite was the Air Ambulance award in which he served as First Sergeant of the 377th for his service from June 1977 to June 1978. Referred to by many as "Old War Dog", he touched the lives of thousands of troops over the years and many have given him the credit for turning their lives around. The military was his Life and he was dedicated to the end.
He joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas and in the seventies, he eventually moved his membership to the Greater Tree Mount Baptist Church where he served faithfully until his health declined. Mr. Delaney was active in Free Masonry and was a member of the Noble Star Lodge #277 in San Antonio. Lastly, he was a member of the VFW in Kirby and a loyal member of the Roy B. Hodges Chapter of the DAV.

In 1971 he entered in matrimony with Ms. Clarice Peterson (Delaney) in which they have one child Diana "DJ", which is the love of his life. He always spoke highly of her and was proud of her accomplishments. He often compared himself to one of Jesus' fisherman in which fishing was his second love. His favorite songs were "Pass me not oh gentle Savior", "I’ll Fly Away" and 'Jesus keep me near the cross". His favorite singing groups were the Soul Stirrers, The Five Blind Boys and the Pilgrim Travelers. Mr. Delaney had a great love for his dog Dusty, his plants and gardening.

He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter Diana Juanita Brown (Derrek), two loving grand­daughters Delaney and Drew Brown along with several family members from the Peterson, Thomas and Deleon's Clan. His beloved nieces in Charleston (Powers), Atlanta (White and Gairy), North Carolina and Tennessee (Delaney) are also going to miss him. He will always be remembered in the years to come by a host if fishing buddies, church attendees and friends.