Delbert (Del) Gale Irons was born in Bonnersferry, Idaho on August 10, 1940, to Enrest Irons Sr. and Mary Davenport.

In 1956 he joined the Idaho Army Air Guard. After 3 years in this service, he made a career change to better fit his interests.

On March 24, 1959, he enlisted the U.S. Navy. He loved the Navy life and considered it a great honor to serve his county. During his twenty years of active duty, he made nine cruises abroad on Naval carriers where he was responsible for aircraft maintenance and directing the aircraft on and off deck.  His assignments included:

·         Fighter Squadron 24, Alameda, CA

·         Fighter Squadron 132, NAS, Cecil Field, FL

·         Fighter Squadron 162, NAS, Miramar, CA

·         Naval Air Facility, China Lake, CA

·         Air Development Squadron 5, Naval Air Facility, China Lake, CA

·         TACELRON 137, NAS, Whidbey Island, WA

·         TACELRON 129

In 1961 Delbert married Elmina Sarlund, both were active duty in the U.S. Navy. Together they raised 5 children.

Chief Peddy Officer, Delbert Irons, retired from the U.S. Navy on February 9, 1979. Delbert's official retirement letter stated him retiring under Commanding Officer of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 129.  His twenty years of service was described as having been professional, unselfish, outstanding, and dedicated.  His Navy career awarded him:   5 Good Conduct Metals; 2 Navy Unit Commendations; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal with device (3 Campaign's); Republic of Vietnam armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation; and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea).  Delbert loved and honored his country by serving her to the best of his ability.

For Delbert Irons, retirement didn't last long.  After his Navy life he drove a school bus for 14 years for the Concrete School District in Washington. His oldest son was the first one who got kicked off his bus for bad behavior. The other kids were well behaved from that time on.  He let the kids bring their own music to play during the long drives home.  "Mr. Delbert" soon became their favorite bus driver.

In 1992 a friend called Delbert and told him they had a plane that needed maintenance and could he possibly do a telephone interview. Del's response was, "just tell them, I'm on my way." He knew he had all the credentials he needed to work on that plane, so he packed up his wife and kids and moved to Kingsville, TX with no official job offer. Upon arrival in Kingsville, he was hired at once at NAS Kingsville, doing what he loved best - turning wrenches on airplanes like he did in the Navy.

In early June of 2000, Elmina was losing her battle to cancer while Delbert nursed her at bedside till her final day.  Delbert was then alone for the first time in his adult life. Later that year, a family member introduced him to Rita Burg and his life took an instant upward turn once again. They married on September 1, 2003, in Austin, TX.

In 2006 Del retired for the second and final time.  Delbert and Rita moved to Fredericksburg, TX permanently.  In Fredericksburg, the community called him "Del" and he quickly became an active member of the Fredericksburg community. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and served as Commander. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion and served as Commander. He was baptized in the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church and became an active member. He was an active member of the Gideons group.  In his spare time, he nurtured orchids and flowers and was a member of the San Antonio Orchid Society. He also enjoyed many breakfasts out with his "Bull Table Buddies."

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elmina Irons; his youngest brother, Darrus Irons of Idaho; oldest brother, Ernest Irons (Col. Retired) of San Antonio.

Delbert is survived by his wife Rita of Fredericksburg; brother, Kenneth Irons and wife Donna of ID; brother, Edgar Irons of CA; and sister, Sandra Johnson of MT. Also surviving are his five children and two stepchildren Samuel Irons of NM; Dan Irons and wife Mary of WA; Mathew Irons and Beth Irons of WA; William Iron and wife Sandy of MO; Renee Sechrist and husband Dan of Fredericksburg; and Kirk Burg of Austin. He is also survived by numerus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Services for Delbert (Del) Gale Irons will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, at 10:30am in the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church at 1800 N. Llano.

In leu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to your favorite charities supporting children.