George Leonard DeLay, Age 78, of Columbus, Indiana, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the VA Hospital, Indianapolis IN. He was born October 24, 1947, in Greensburg, Indiana. He is the eldest son of Bernard and Letha (Coy) DeLay, who proceeded him in death.
George is survived by his wife, Ruth (Brandt) DeLay. They were married September 21, 2001. He is also survived by his three children: Dawn DeLay, Columbus, Indiana, Darin DeLay (Shaina), Denver, Colorado and Bryant Howard-DeLay along with six grandchildren, Krista Hagerty (Nate), Breanna and Shaelene Guthrie, Jackson, Marshall and Emilia DeLay and three great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Piper and Paisley. He had two brothers, Bob DeLay and Richard DeLay (Chloe). George was preceded in death by his parents.
George graduated from Greensburg High School with the class of 1965, and was nominated MVP of the high school baseball team. He is a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the Army from 1967 to 1969. He was married to Donna Holbrook, 1971 to 1991. George worked at Cummins Engine Company from 1970 until he retired from finance in 2010. He was a member of First Church of God in Greensburg, serving as a member of the church board, and attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus and rebaptized in 2023.
George enjoyed hunting turkey and deer and playing softball. In 1999 and 2001 he and his team won the National Slow Pitch Softball Tournament. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and Columbus Indiana Huey, Inc. Anyone who knew George knew how much he loved to talk. He never met a stranger. George made sure he had removed the snow from many of the older ladies’ driveways and sidewalks and was always willing to help anyone who needed something done.
In 2023 he was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal illness, which 20% of veterans are afflicted with this disease. George lost the ability to walk and lost function in his body, but his sharp mind and love of talking remained. He never stopped being George and his spirits never waivered. He remained “George” or as many knew him “Turkey George” or “Crow” to the very end.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 10:00 am until the time of memorial service at 12:00 pm at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 719 Fifth St, Columbus, IN. Rev. Tim Carter will be officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to American Legion Post #129, St. Peter’s Lutheran School or to First Church of God in Greensburg. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.