RAYMOND — Harry J. “Buster” Delan, 94, a veteran of World War II, died peacefully after a brief illness with his family by his side, Thursday, March 1.
Buster was born Sept 8, 1923, in Raymond, to Harry and Elsie (Perkins) Delan. In 1942, he joined the armed forces and was assigned to the 988th Signal Operations Company serving in China, Burma and India. He was also awarded The Breast Order of Yun Hui by President Chiang Chung-Cheng of the Republic of China for meritorious services.
In 1942, Buster married the love of his life, Ruth E. (Thurlow) Delan, and the two were married for 72 years before her passing in 2014.
He is survived by his six children, Malinda Stillwell of Chesapeake, Va., Harry M. Delan of Raymond, Madeline Pearl of Mechanic Falls, Judy Blake of Raymond, Rebecca Kelley of Dover-Foxcroft and Rosemary Snow of Milo; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Frankie Drew; and his sisters, Mary Kelley of Casco and Evelyn Sawin of Poland.
He is preceded in death by brothers Lawrence Delan, Willard Delan, Joe Delan, Roy Drew, Homer Drew, Thomas Drew, Ralphie Drew; and by his sister, Ruby Greenlaw.
Buster had many medical issues over the last four years, and with the dedication and mutual cooperation and consulting of his amazing doctors, Dr. Elizabeth Pierce of Yarmouth, Dr. Rosenblatt of South Portland, Dr. Lemay at the Veterans Association, Dr. Brown of Auburn, as well as all of the amazing staff at CMMC on all floors, the outpatient rehab services at CMMC, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and the phenomenal staff at the Veterans’ Home in South Paris, he was treated with respect, care and love. He truly lived a full and rewarding life right to the end with all of your remarkable support. His family is truly thankful for all of your astounding care.
We also wish to thank the wonderful people at Honor Flight Maine and VFW Post 155 for his trip to see the WWII memorial. It was a trip that gave him so much joy with hopes to travel back there again.
Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net.
Harry J. “Buster” Delan
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