Delbert Honchul

Lt. Col. Delbert Honchul, age 98, of Murray, Kentucky, died Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Spring Creek Health Care in Murray, Kentucky.

He was born May 26, 1919 in Caney, Morgan County, Kentucky, a son of Green Berry and Delia Madden Honchul. Preceding him in death were his parents; a wife, Daris Williams Honchul; a brother, Robert B. Honchul; four siblings in early childhood; and one great-grandson.

Survivors include his wife, Quava Clark Smith Honchul; six children: Lt. Col. Delbert Dean (Ret.) (Rosalind), Diana Lee Lossner (Stephen), Donna Eugenia O'Neal (Bill Johns), Delaine Beth Cook (Timothy), Delores Kay Woods Baker (Rodney), and Col. David Wallace Honchul (Tamra). Also surviving are three step-sons, Philip Kim Smith, Eugene Ray Smith, Roger Frank Smith (Linda) and a sister, Garnett Elizabeth Mills (widow of Victor Gordon Mills); 18 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Career-wise, he served three years in the Civilian Conservation Corps including duty as the company's Senior Leader (top enrollee position); 25 plus years in the U.S. Air Force retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel; 20 years teaching at Murray State University retiring as Associate Professor Emeritus.

He was the Valedictorian of his graduating class at Cannel City High School (KY), Maryland State University (BS), The Ohio State University (MBA) with significant additional graduate work from The Ohio State University and George Washington University. His biography has appeared in Marquis' Who's Who in the South and Southwest. Military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the usual location and service ribbons. He was a Kentucky Colonel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home. Rev. Jim Stahler will officiate with entombment to follow at Murray Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, Illinois 60693

Online condolences can be made at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com