Captain Deloach 1973 yearbook

Chief Deloach 1986 yearbook

Retired Picture 1995 yearbook

Retired Battalion Chief Melvin J. Deloach passed away March 20, 2013.

He is survived by two firefighter sons retired Lieutenant Joe Deloach and retired Engineer Ronnie Deloach and his grandson Firefighter David Deloach assigned to Ladder 18 on the C shift.

Funeral Service was Monday March 24, 2014 at 2:00 PM

Hardage & Giddens Funeral Home

4315 Main St. Jacksonviulle, FL

Interment immediately following at Evergreen Cemetery.


Melvin J. DeLoach, Jr., 90, died peacefully in Jacksonville, Florida, Thursday March 20th, 2014. Mel was born August 2, 1923 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Melvin J. DeLoach, Sr. and Nora DeLoach. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1942, where he was an exceptional athlete. He ran track and played football, basketball, and baseball. After he graduated from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II. After the war, he was offered a scholarship to play football at the University of Florida, but decided to go to work for the United States Postal Service. In 1947, he joined the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where he retired after 42 years as a Battalion Chief. Prior to his passing, he was the oldest living retired Jacksonville fireman. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Smith and Jewel Glenn, and a granddaughter, Susan DeLoach. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Edith; two sons, Joe and his wife, Barbara, and Ronnie and his wife, Darlene; eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, one niece, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Funeral services will be held at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home located at 4315 Main Street in Jacksonville, Florida on Monday, March 24th, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery, which is located adjacent to the funeral home. Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL.