Ricky Delancy

Rick Delancy, 74, passed away peacefully in his favorite room in the house on April 10th, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents; survived by wife Sheryl, sister Sherry Carter and husband Dennis, children Kelli Watkins, Allison Ratliff and husband Mike, Jeff Delancy and wife Jennifer; five grandkids, Ashlee Byrd and husband Dillon, Crosby, Quinn, and Mercer Delancy, and Bryn Ratliff; two great grandkids Ezekiel and Ember Byrd, and numerous extended family members and friends. Rick was born on November 23rd, 1947, in Oklahoma City, OK the son of Dorothy and George Delancy. He graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1966. After graduation, Rick chose to pursue a degree in Mathematics from Central State University. During this time, he worked as a grocery sacker at Stone's IGA and met a customer who would become the love of his life. This meet would blossom into 52 years of marriage to Sheryl Hooper Delancy. Sheryl was Rick's true other half. Their enduring love was an example to everyone who was lucky enough to know them.After graduating from Central State, Rick embarked on a 46-year career in woodworking. Much of his career was spent with Architectural Hardware, Woodward Brothers, Thompson Wood Products, and Cooper Cabinet Systems. Rick was a meticulous builder and his passion for his work was evident in everything he created both at work and in his garage.Rick was an avid collector. He concentrated most of his collecting on coins, sports cards and figurines. He never missed an opportunity to stop at a store to check the card inventory and loved to discuss the price changes in his recent Beckett magazine. In retirement (and against the wishes of Sheryl), he dedicated an entire room in his home to his collectibles and continued growing his collection.Rick was a lover of animals. His dog Harper was a true member of the family. Daily car rides, trips to the school to explore, and endless chew toys and treats were a must. As Harper aged, he used his woodworking skills to hand craft stairs so he could still get up on the bed. Additionally, he was the defacto dog sitter for Harrison, Libby, and Sydnee. They loved Papa. He was also known in multiple neighborhoods as the turtle guy. If anyone found a turtle, he would happily take them in and add them to the turtle family he had in his backyard. He would name each turtle and make sure they all had plenty of berries and worms to eat. His turtle family has spanned twenty years, a move to a new house, and multiple sets of babies.Rick was a music enthusiast. He loved his ipod (yes, ipod) and always had music playing in the car or garage. He built a great record collection and enjoyed digging into the history of the bands he loved. While he might forget important dates or instructions from Sheryl, he could consistently rattle off facts and history on the bands he followed.While he loved his work and hobbies, his true passion was sharing those things with the ones he loved. Rick leaves a legacy of presence and devoted support. He loved his wife with all his heart and their love was apparent in everything they did. He was a selfless giver of all that he had, but most importantly his time. He never missed an opportunity to help with a project or household repair. His work can be seen throughout all our homes. He will be remembered for those countless hours he gave to his family; teaching, helping, building, fixing, coaching, and cheering during sporting events and other moments, big and small. This selflessness carried forward with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He cherished this time and loved being a part of everything they did.Rick's influence lives on within us. He taught us how to be a dedicated and loving child, spouse, parent, grandparent, and friend. He will be greatly missed but his memories will forever be cherished.