Ken DeLion

August 25, 1955 - July 13, 2017

Ken DeLion lost his battle with cancer at his home on July 13th, 2017. Ken was the youngest of eight children born to the late Gerard ‘Slim’ DeLion and Alyda (Brouwer) DeLion. He was a 1973 graduate of Central Catholic. His marriage was to Debra D. Kimbrell on August 18th, 1979 in Lafayette. He worked for Pay Less Supermarkets for 45 years up until his death. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Ken enjoyed umpiring baseball games, the Boston Red Sox, officiating swim meets, the Green Bay Packers (GO PACK!), but his favorite time was spent at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where for over 20 years, he worked both the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400 races. You could not pry him away from the track and he’d planned on working the Brickyard in 2017, but passed away before that could happen. He is survived by his wife of 38 years Deb and his children: Lauren Johannigman (Nathan); Katie DeLion; and Jake DeLion, all of Lafayette. Also surviving are his grandchildren Rex and Wade Johannigman, ages 6 and 1, respectively; three brothers and three sisters; numerous cousins; and a multitude of friends. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother Gerry. Friends and family are welcome to celebrate his life at St. Mary’s Cathedral with visitation on August 11th from 9am to 11am with a funeral mass and lunch following. Fr. Borawski is officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ken’s name to St. Matthew’s Soup Kitchen at St. Anne’s Catholic Church (612 Wabash Ave. Lafayette, IN 47905) or the Purdue Center for Cancer Research (https://www.cancerresearch.purdue.edu/). Share memories and condolences at www.simplicity-funeralcare.com.