DELPHI - Dean A. Ratcliff, 86, of Delphi, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Delphi. Dean was born to the late John and Hilda E. Merrell Ratcliff on February 14, 1932 in Delphi, IN.

Dean was a rural mail carrier for the Delphi Post Office for several years. He started as part-time and became full time driver. He also was a realtor in Delphi and Lafayette.

On July 12, 1953 Dean married the love of his life, Joanne Groninger, in Burrows. The spent 65 years together raising their three children.

He was a 1950 graduate of Delphi High School and attended Valparaiso University and Tech. Dean was a proud veteran serving our country in the National Guard and US Army being discharged as Sergeant 1st Class. He continued to serve as a member of the Carroll County Honor Guard. He was a member of the VFW in Delphi, kennel club in Logansport, Lafayette Indiana Historic Auto Club. Dean enjoyed being a woodworker as a hobby. Dean won numerus "World's Best Dad Awards." The most important thing in his life was making people smile and his family. Dean would make a bad situation into a good one with his witty humor and contagious smile.

Dean is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joanne. Two daughters and son-in-law's: Dianne and Jim Quesenbery and Michele "Shelley" and Ralf Woods. Son and daughter-in-law: Tim and Mary Ratcliff. Ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren not yet born yet and one great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother: Robert and sister: Virginia.

Calling will be Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 4 – 7 PM at Abbott Funeral Home, Delphi. Funeral services will be at 2 PM Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the funeral home. Pastor Dan Fisher officiating. Burial to follow with Carroll County Honor Guard Service at Brown Church Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the VFW of Carroll County.