Charles Halbert Delk

Charles Halbert Delk (Charlie), known for his friendly nature, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025 at the remarkable age of 95. 

Charlie was born in Columbus, MS on May 2, 1929. After graduating from S.D. Lee High School in Columbus with honors, he received a full scholarship from the NAVY/ROTC program and enrolled in the engineering school at Auburn University. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering in 1951, he was commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy where he served on the USS Richard B. Anderson destroyer during the Korean War. Later he was promoted to a LT. Junior Grade and served on the ship AMCU-11, a coastal minehunter. As the executive officer, he tested experimental equipment used for locating explosive devices underwater. 

In 1954, after completing his Navy duties, he joined Schlumberger Well Services in Louisiana as Specialist Engineer and then was promoted to District Manager. In 1961, he married Rose Mary Derbonne from Lake Charles, LA (“best blind date ever”). In 1968, he and his wife took a leap of faith and moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with their children. They opened ABC Rentals which has grown into the largest residential tool rental company on the coast. Well into his 90s, Charlie would go into “work”, always talking to the staff about their families and lives. 

A devout follower of Christ, Charlie was a member of Bayou View Baptist Church for over 56 years. He served as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, choir member, chairman of several committees and along with this wife served as a children’s Sunday School teacher. Charlie loved his many mission trips with the Baptist Builders using his skills building churches and orphanages in other countries.

 Charlie was one of the oldest members of the Gulfport Kiwanis Club. Joining in 1968, he always enjoyed the club’s lunch meetings with old and new friends, anxiously waiting to sell the Kiwanis’ pancake day tickets to his regulars each December. In 2018, he was honored with a mayoral proclamation declaring a “Charlie Delk Day” in recognition of his 50-year membership and service to the community.

 He was selected as Kiwanian of the Year as well as receiving their distinctive Legion of Honor recognition. He was chosen Volunteer of the Year by the Gulf Coast Baptist Association, Rental Person of the Year by the Mississippi Rental Association, Outstanding Dedicated Service by the American Rental Association and others awards.

 As an outspoken and passionate Auburn fan, he was known to wear his vibrant Auburn tie to church after games were won and occasionally shouting “War Eagle” across a crowded restaurant when he spotted an Alabama supporter. He enjoyed his Monday lunches at Lil’ Rays with his friends as they shared laughter and tried to solve the world’s problems. An enthusiast of nature, he spent much of his time on the water while boating and fishing, and sharing his love for the outdoors with his family. Most of all, he cherished the time he spent with his wife, Rose Mary, when they had visits from their only grandchild, their namesake, Carlie Rose. 

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Halbert and Eulis Delk and his brother, James R. Delk. He leaves behind Rose Mary, his wife of 63 years; his son, David Delk (Rick); his daughter, Dana Jeffries; his granddaughter, Carlie Rose Jeffries; his sister, Martha Hubbard (John) of Columbus MS and numerous nephews and nieces who called him “Uncle Buddy”.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Bayou View Baptist Church, 4700 Chamberlain Avenue in Gulfport. Visitation will be from 12:30PM until time of funeral service at 2:00PM. A private family burial service will be held at the Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please support the Bayou View Baptist Church Building Fund or the charity of your choice. 

WAR EAGLE!

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please visit www.riemannfamily.com where memories and photos may be shared.