John Raymond DeLay was born on March 24, 1956 in Elgin, Illinois. He spent his childhood there with his sister, Michelle, and cousins, Tom and Richard, all causing significant mischief in their respective households and having an adventurous childhood because of that. John developed a strong love of Western movies and horses. With a lot of hard work, he eventually came to own his own horse. Over time, he even decided he wanted to be a farrier despite a 6’2” frame. He completed the training in Kansas and apparently even developed a drawl to blend into the area!

Unfortunately, at age 18, he had a catastrophic injury which changed the trajectory of his life. He eventually earned an associate’s degree at Elgin Community College. He then went on to the University of Illinois and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics. After graduation, he started working for Hollister Incorporated for more than a decade before his disability worsened.

During college at U of I, he met his eventual wife Erin, and they have been happily married for nearly 36 years. During that time, he put up with her dragging him all over our country and Canada and of course, many times to Walt Disney World which, honestly, he tolerated for her!! He always loved Jiminy Cricket and Eeyore though!! They lived for many years in a house specially designed by his brother-in-law, Robert, and enjoyed every minute of it. He also never lost his love of horses and Westerns – bring on John Wayne!!

John had many challenges in his life—from the catastrophic injury to many other health concerns—yet he always faced the challenges with a broad smile and a twinkle in his incredibly blue eyes. John passed away on September 20, 2026 at the age of 70.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel DeLay and Joan (Collins) DeLay. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Erin Davis DeLay; his sister, Michelle Morgan and her husband Kent Morgan, and their children John Hagen, Kate (Morgan) Walton and her family, and Christopher Morgan and his family; and his cousins, Richard, Tom, and Karen and their families. He was also very close to his sister in law, Megan Davis-Ochi and her husband, Robert Ochi, and their children Liam, Faye, and Tyler (and family) Ochi. And last, he is survived by his very spoiled fur-babies, Griz and Sox.

Visitation will be Monday, September 28, from 4-7 p.m., at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Dr., McHenry. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 29, at 10 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, 2304 W. Church St., Johnsburg, IL 60051.  All are invited to go directly to the Church. Burial will follow in the Church’s cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, appreciated.

Arrangements by Hamsher Funerals & Cremations, 74 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake.