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Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 9:51 AM

Joshua Ryan DeLay

08/02/1978- 09/13/2023
  • Source: The Gardens Funeral Home
Joshua Ryan DeLay
Josh DeLay

"Once a Marine, always a Marine"... Lance Corporal Joshua DeLay, USMC completed his earthly mission and returned to his Heavenly Father on September 13, 2023. He was at peace and with family at the time of his departure.

Josh was born in Walla Walla, Washington to Calvin DeLay and Elaine DeLay Baldwin on August 2, 1978. He attended Berney, Pioneer, and Wa-Hi schools, graduating in 1997. He loved music and excelled at guitar and drums. He played middle school football but was happiest when he was working as a co-owner of Harris Motors, Inc., a Harley-Davidson after-market shop in Dixie, Washington. He enjoyed learning all the mechanics involved and built his own Harley at the age of 17 and was a proud member of RIDER of Washington. He also loved fishing and camping and caught a trophy crappie while in his teen years, a picture of which was published in Sports Illustrated magazine.

After a summer hiatus, he enlisted in the USMC and served honorably for four years as a Combat Photographer. Upon discharge, he briefly joined his family in Fallon, Nevada, then moved to Carson City where he worked for a motorsports business. He married Jessica Vasquez and together they had a daughter, Aubry DeLay. He adopted Jessica's son, Damyen at the time of their marriage.

Josh later returned to Fallon where he worked at various jobs until he became disabled and

his health declined. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Calvin and Carol DeLay of Touchet, Washington; his mother and stepfather, Elaine and Anthony Baldwin of Fallon, Nevada; a brother, Brian DeLay, Fallon, NV; and his daughter Aubry DeLay, Fallon, NV. A sister, Nichole, preceded him in death in 1976.

A military tribute is planned, and distribution of cremains will follow at a later date.

Semper Fi, Josh.

Funeral Home: 

The Gardens 

2949 Austin Hwy

Fallon, NV 775-423-8928


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Shane Austin 02/23/2024 03:25 PM
Hey DeLay, it's Austin. One of your old Marine buddies from 1st Marine Division Combat Camera. I just cannot believe you aren't here anymore. I have been off the grid for a few years and lost contact with everyone I served with, but I oftentimes think about the good times we all had and the misery we all shared that make our bonds unbreakable even if we haven't talked in years. Trust me when I say this, when I read your obituary, I was in tears. I truly miss you brother. Rest in peace.

COMMENTS
Comment author: Nicole GalbraithComment text: Farren - I just saw that you aren’t here with us. I am completely in shock! I met you and hung out with you so many years ago with Jer, and Eden. I honestly can’t believe you are gone…..you were a wonderful human being, with a HUGE heart and soul. Hearing this makes my heart break! You are forever in our hearts, and I can say I feel blessed that I was able to know you! Rest easy sweet Farren xoxoComment publication date: 3/23/26, 12:30 PMComment source: Obituary- Farren CrosslandComment author: Tiffany LundleeComment text: I will miss you so very much Bryan. It was always fun visiting you guys. And always talking about what Jon and Aaron use to do as goofy teenagers I will miss you very muchComment publication date: 3/21/26, 12:12 PMComment source: Bryan Taylor Anderson C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: A wonderful tribute. Thank you Kelli Kelly.Comment publication date: 3/21/26, 8:12 AMComment source: In memorium -- The Melon ManComment author: Bob SondgrothComment text: There are times when you should just know about someone. Who and what they REALLY were. Because they were devotional and IMPORTANT to the humans they connected with. The content of their life bled so that others could feel their own life’s importance. Teachers of justifiable life and art. That all can absorb and use as the best fertilizer for THEIR lives. Giving the silent secrets and the loud guidance. The Melon Man was a perfect specimen for how to devote. His passing meant a life book of feeling/knowing what gives other humans their paths to Love and Knowledge. Some humans are meant to show others their paths. And in that they secrete ways to profitably exist.Comment publication date: 3/18/26, 4:50 PMComment source: In memorium -- The Melon Man
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