Delbert Stanley Deardeuff

Delbert Stanley Deardeuff, 81, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 1, 2014. Stan was born August 13, 1932, in Oklahoma City to Florence and Clarence Deardeuff. Stan grew up in Oklahoma City with his older sister, Helen. On June 24, 1951, Stan married his high school sweetheart, Joan Ellen Barnett in San Diego, CA. Stan served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, surviving the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean Conflict, and rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his military service, Stan obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Oklahoma. Stan was an icon in the insurance industry with a career that spanned 55 years. He joined the USF&G, a major property and casualty insurance company in 1959, ascending to the position of Underwriting Manager. In 1967 he joined the prestigious insurance agency of Ancel Earp, McEldowney & Associates, rising steadily to the position of President and CEO. Stan became a full partner in 1981, when the agency was renamed McEldowney, McWilliams, Deardeuff & Journey. Stan merged MMDJ with Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton in September 1989, and continued as Executive Vice President and Principal Producer until his retirement on December 31, 2013. On January 2, 2014, Stan joined his son Dave and grandson Dax at INSURICA Insurance Management Network as a Sales Consultant, bringing three generations of Deardeuffs together under one profession and agency. Stan was committed to following Christ and served many roles in the Episcopal Church. Stan was passionate about giving back to his community and helping others. He served in leadership roles of many organizations and institutions, including St. Crispins Episcopal Camp & Conference Center, Oklahoma Allstate Wrestling Association, Oklahoma Art Museum, Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, Hillcrest Heath Center, SSM of Oklahoma, The Jim Thorpe Association, The Beacon Club, St. Augustine Episcopal Church, All Souls Episcopal Church, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, City Care, Inc., and Condor Development, Inc. In 2013, Stan was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame. Stan enjoyed playing billiards, cards and golf with friends and associates. Stan was a wine enthusiast and collector, hosting over 40 wine dinners at The Beacon Club. He was the ultimate Sooner fan and attended OU football games for more than 50 years. Stan loved to travel the world with his wife and family, but his favorite location was La Jolla, CA where Stan and Joan traveled annually for the past 30 years. Stan was passionate about his family and never missed the opportunity for family gatherings. Stan was preceded in death by his parents and sister. Stan leaves behind a lasting legacy with his beloved family, including wife Joan; children Debbi and Jerry Carmack, Diann and Bobby Barnes, Dave and Teresa Deardeuff, Dana Foley; grandchildren Brent and Liz Barnes, Brandi and Vernon Strange, Jennifer and Kevin Sonntag, Stefanie and Rusty Appleton, Dax Deardeuff, Cole Deardeuff, Samantha Foley, and Morgan Foley; great grandchildren Evan Strange, Ellis Strange, Cooper Barnes, Evelyn Sonntag and Mack Sonntag; along with several loving nieces. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at 2:00pm at All Souls Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City with a reception following in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to All Souls Episcopal Church or City Care Inc.