R. Delane Jackson, of Warsaw, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at the Center For Hospice Care - Esther’s House in Elkhart at the age of 81. He peacefully passed away surrounded by many of his loving family. A courageous, strong, beautiful soul who fought hard to spend just one more day with his family is now at home and rejoicing in Heaven!
He was born on Feb. 4, 1943, in Plymouth, to Edith Monesmith and Wayne Jackson. On June 6, 1965, he married his best friend and love of his life, Nancy Lee Wagner. Delane and Nancy were blessed with having just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Together they shared everything in their lives from celebrating birthdays, holidays, cookouts and everything in between.
Delane was a longtime owner of his own catering business, the Katering Kitchen, where over the years many people enjoyed the many meals he provided. Prior to catering he worked at Owen’s Supermarket in Warsaw as the grocery manager for 26 years. He also the helpful and friendly face working in the deli at Martin’s Supermarket in Warsaw. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his son Bob and his family. He had a special bond with his Dad and made many memories during their times fishing together. Delane LOVED being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He made sure to be there at every sporting event cheering them on, had the biggest smile on his face attending their dance recitals, and was simply generous with his time in anything the grandkids were involved in. He even coached Little League for many years.
He loved people and never met a stranger, was an avid White Sox baseball and Notre Dame football fan. Delane was a former member of the Warsaw Morning Optimist Club. He loved southern Gospel music. He was a church organist at various churches for many years and later enjoyed worshiping alongside his church family at Winona Lake Grace Church where he shared his talents playing the piano. He always put God first and his family was always a priority in his life. He looked beyond people’s faults and helped where he could with his giving heart and spirit. Delane was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. He would most want to be remembered for his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy Lee Jackson, Warsaw; son, Bob (Katie) Jackson, Warsaw; and his beloved four grandchildren: Ellie (Matt) Simpson, Elkhart; Joe (Kate) Jackson, Mary King Jackson and Ben Jackson, all of Warsaw; and three great-grandchildren: Norah, Francie and Sadie. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his stillborn son, Edward.
Friends and family are invited to share time to visit from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Delane’s life will be celebrated with a service at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by his grandson, Joe Jackson. A graveside service will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bourbon.
Memorial donations in Delane’s memory may be directed to Center For Hospice Care-Esther’s House, 22579 Old U.S. 20 E, Elkhart, IN 46516.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.