Harold Delosh (June 7, 1941 to November 5, 2018) He was “Papa Smurf” to his biker friends; simply “Papa” to his 22 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
A big white beard and side grin would greet you with a chuckle. A giant of a man at 5 feet tall, he would walk like a bear and hug like one too. A menacing voice yelling insults, with a twinkle in his eye and a teasing challenge to respond. He wanted to challenge your wit and your sense of humor. With a servant’s heart, he’d work hard for his friends and family, so you felt appreciated and accomplished.
He always had good stories to tell. One-third truth and two-thirds embellishment was his preferred format. The bucks weren’t only bigger with each telling, but they became smarter and more difficult to shoot.
In people, he appreciated hard work, good stories, and being honest about who they were and what they wanted. In life, he appreciated family, hunting, woodworking, motorcycles, and was a proud Marine veteran.
Papa was the small giant, an unpublished storyteller, a handyman, a Vietnam veteran, a friend to everyone, and an odd lynchpin in his family, who will miss him and celebrate him.
If you missed him in this life, you can meet him in the next. Life is filled with a series of choices, each built upon another. Consistency and honesty will get you far, but only one choice will get you to heaven. Papa was a closet Christian most of his life, choosing to encourage others without fussing about church attendance. But he made his choice clear long before leaving this world: he chose to follow Christ and be born again. He knew it was the only way.
Harold is survived by his wife, Sharleen (LaBarre) DeLosh, his four children Sheri Sharlow, Shelly and Karl Cunningham, Steve and Michelle DeLosh, Scott and Darbi DeLosh, brothers Charles and Josephine DeLosh, Dale and Cathy DeLosh, Timmy, Terry, Tommy and Johnny DeLosh, sisters Donna Payne and Nancy DeLosh. His death was preceded by parents Donald DeLosh and Mary (Regan) DeLosh, sister Inez DeLosh, brother Bill DeLosh, and granddaughter Rachel Saxby.
Harold has donated his body to medical science. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th at Crystal River Foursquare Gospel Church on 1160 N Dunkenfield Avenue in Crystal River, FL. Donations on his behalf can be made to Crystal River Foursquare Gospel Church.
Service will be aired live on video, through internet, email cunninghamslam@gmail.com or call/text 912-800-5870 for Internet streaming.