Delmas Conley

Delmas Conley, 80, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, November 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

He was born in Knott County, Kentucky on November 3, 1944, the son of Lacy and Sarah (Messer) Conley. Growing up he attended Gillam Township School, later continuing his education in Texas in order to teach at Rensselaer Christian Academy School, in his local church.

Delmas married the love of his life, Sharon Fontaine, on April 5, 1963. They were joined by three children, a son and two daughters. Delmas was a devoted member of his church, Bible Baptist (previously Open Door Baptist) since 1968.

In the 80 years of his life, Delmas was so many things to so many people. He was a son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa (“Poppee”), uncle, and a friend. He truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others.

Delmas was a jack of many trades. He spent many years in carpentry work building homes. He pastored a church, taught Christian school, served as choir director and as a deacon in his church. He also drove semis and hauled gas. When he retired, he decided to go back to work and drove a school bus for Rensselaer Central Schools for many years. Delmas had a passion for helping and teaching others about the Lord. He enjoyed witnessing to others, studying the Bible, traveling, and meeting new people. He spent 40-plus years working in the jail ministry, along with truck stop and care center ministries. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving family: son Randy (Shelly) Conley; two daughters, Tama (Leonard) Larson and Tonya (Roger) Black; nine grandchildren: Brandon (Neenah) Conley, Nathan (Nikki) Conley, Brayton Conley, Alora (Anthony) Carson, Kandice Larson (John) Forden, Charity DeLaney (Larson), Nicholas (Kaylie) Black, Adam (Mackenzi) Black, and Madison (Jordan) Ekstrom; and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers: Benjamin (Terri) Conley, Paul (Barbara) Conley, and Elmer (Sandy) Conley; and one sister, Ida Conley-Biddle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lacy and Sarah Conley; his wife, Sharon Conley; three brothers: Lewis, Finas, and Jorlie; and four sisters: Hermal, Loretta, Lottie, and Tennie.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. until time of funeral at 12:30 p.m. at Bible Baptist Church, 722 Summer St., Rensselaer, IN 47978. Pastor David Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bible Baptist Church.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the Conley family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.