06/06/2026
We were saddened to hear of the passing of one of our founding members. Mr Perry was a part of the very foundation of our department and for what New Prospect and Lawrence County Fire & Rescue as a whole has become today. He was among some of the very best the county had to offer and for many reasons. He seemed to live on the old adage a friend in need is a friend in deed. He was always there to help out in the community and at our department. He along with some others hand built the first “real fire engine” that NPFD had. N.P. 1 or “The Hoss” as they dubbed it was very much a hand laid and build truck. In those days the fire hall was half machine shop and half fire dept. The men he worked with to build our dept knew how to stretch a doller and make do with what resources were on hand. Possibly with a few donations made by Murray Ohio they build many pieces of equipment to further out depts abilities. In later years he and his wife were always present at our fund raisers and would stay and chat awhile. We ask you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. There will be a couple photos on the comments of some Deltons handy work for the dept.
Delton T. Perry was born on July 26, 1939 and passed away on June 4, 2026 at NHC Healthcare of Scott.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Calvin and Mary Marwilla Davis Perry; one sister, Martha Perry; and five brothers, Charles, Sam, Pete, Georgie, and Glenn Perry.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Lou Perry; his son, Doug Perry (Debbie); and his daughter, Anita Inman (Steve). He is also survived by his sister, Corinne Perry; and one brother, Clyde Perry (Paula). He was a proud grandfather to two granddaughters, Stephanie Evers (Ryan) and Nola Simbeck (Rone). His greatest joy was his four great-grandchildren: Rhet, Cora, and Cruz Simbeck, and Hazel Grace Evers.
Delton was many things to many people; a student of history, mechanic, sports fan, and aviator. If you needed a missing part, he probably had one - and if he didn't, he could make one. Throughout his life, Delton accomplished many things. He served in the Army Reserve, was a founding member of the New Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, and retired after 20 years of faithful service at the Lawrenceburg Utility System.
Although Delton was retired, he never stopped doing what he loved: fixing things and working on airplanes with his friends. While he was a man of few words, people listened when he spoke. He always seemed to have a riddle, a story, or bit of advice that was exactly what someone needed to hear. Delton will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
As he would say, "See you later, Kingfish," "Don't go away mad, just go away," and our favorite, "Open your eyes, open your ears, and here we go."
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Sunday, June 7, 2026, with Billy Beal officiating. Interment will follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN. The family suggests memorials be made to New Prospect Fire Department. Condolences may be sent by way of our website at www.nealfuneralhome.net.
