Avery LeRoy Dellinger, Sr.

Avery LeRoy Dellinger, Sr., 91, passed away at home in the early morning of November 7, 2024, surrounded by family and love.

Avery was born on the west side of Indianapolis on February 10, 1933, to Margaret and Alonzo Dellinger. He was the second oldest of 5 children. He attended Washington HS. He was the glue that held his family together during his teen years. He was briefly married to Betty Dunn in 1951 and lost a child, Ronnie, a few days after his birth. Avery was a skilled carpenter for Marsh Homes for several years prior to eventually working for Emerson Engineering. Avery (LeRoy) ran the shipping and receiving department for over 30 years where he never missed one day of work and eventually retired at the age of 67.

Avery met the love of his life, Bonita Ross, at work, in 1965 and later married her on Good Friday, 1968. Also in 1968, they bought their home in Irvington and started their family, with the birth of Kristie. His namesake, Avery Jr. was born in 1974. Their family has since grown very large with 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren (so far). Avery was also a bonus dad to Bonnie’s two other children, David and Margie and their 6 children and 3 grandchildren. 

Throughout his long life, Avery enjoyed travel and always made sure there were many family vacations and memories made. He bought land in Brown County where he built a cabin with the help of his brother Joe. He spent many weekends there. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. But most probably remember him for his plentiful garden and beautiful flowers. There was nothing he couldn’t grow. He wanted to move to Alaska and live off the land and planned to hike the Appalachian Trail. He visited every state except Hawaii. He also traveled to the Bahamas and Canada, and he loved going to Mexico. He walked to Philadelphia with a group of Veterans and met Miss America. He loved telling these stories of his adventures. 

Avery was always quick witted and had an ability to make insulting jokes without truly offending anyone. His personality was bigger than life, and he was loved by anyone who met him. Avery was known for wearing floppy hats and was always walking around the neighborhood. He loved children and was a foster parent for many over the years. He started a family Easter Egg hunt that has grown over the years and has become a tradition for family and neighbors alike and has been ongoing for over 60 years. If anyone was ever a people person, it was Avery. 

Avery will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him. 

A celebration of life will be held at Brookside Community Church on Sunday November 17, 2024, at 2:00pm. The church is located at 1035 N. Olney Street in Indianapolis. 

He was proceeded in death by his father, Alonzo Henry Dellinger, mother Margaret (Cronley) Bunce, infant son Ronnie, sister Marjorie Miller, brother Joseph Dellinger, bonus daughter Marjorie Williams, and many nieces and nephews. 

He is survived by his wife Bonita (Ross) Dellinger, daughter Kristie Dellinger, son Avery (Emily) Dellinger Jr., brother Thomas (Sylvia) Dellinger, sister Kathryn (Carl) Austin, Grandchildren Taylor (Aaron Paul) Harrington, Jordan (Jarrett) Hamilton, Kristin Shaw II, Kamrin Shaw, Avery Dellinger III, Karmin Shaw, Liam Dellinger, Lauren Dellinger, Harper Dellinger, Greatgrandchildren Jarrett “Jay” Hamilton, James Avery “Jamie" Hamilton, Josie Hamilton, Reece Paul, Whitney, and by his Bonus family David (Lesa) Williams, Sarah (Kaleigh) Andrews, Rebecca Coyle, Ashley Williams, Dwyane Williams, Dillan Williams, Bruce Williams, Levi Cofer, Osiris Cofer, and Maelee Cofer.