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

Dean was a rural mail carrier for the Delphi Post Office for a number of years. He started as a part-time carrier many years ago and then became a full-time carrier. He was asked to speak at a USPS meeting in Washington, D.C. at one time before he retired. He also was a realtor in Delphi and Lafayette and served as president of those organizations.

On July 12, 1953 Dean married Joanne Groninger, in Burrows, IN. They were together 65 years.

He was a 1950 graduate of Delphi High School and attended Valparaiso University and Valparaiso Technical School. Dean was a proud veteran serving our country in the local National Guard and U.S. Army, with a rank of Sergeant 1st Class upon discharge. He continued to serve as a member of the Carroll County Honor Guard. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Delphi, Logansport Kennel Club, and the Lafayette Indiana Historic Auto Club of which he was president one year. Dean enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. He made many, many fine things out of wood for his family. He won numerous 'Worlds Best Dad' Awards, very well deserved. His 'grandpa jokes' were memorable.The most important things in his life were his family, and making people smile. “

Dean is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joanne; two daughters and sons-in-law: Dianne and Jim Quesenbery of Delphi; and Michele “Shelley” and Ralf Woods of Clarkston, MI; and son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Mary Ratcliff of Indianapolis. Ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren not yet born and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Robert, and sister, Virginia Thompson.

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