Leo A. Delapa of Ocala, FL passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the age of 78.  He entered into rest peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Leo met the love of his life, Iris at Florida Beacon Bible College, and married in a small chapel in Key Largo, FL on July 12, 1973. They both lived by the scripture verse of Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

He was a loving husband, father, and papa. Leo was a devout Christian, whom he loved to share his love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with others. He served in the Army's 173rd Airborne "Sky Soldiers".  He had a mischievous and infectious laugh.  He enjoyed sharing his most fond hobby of Archery, shooting with his children and grandchildren.

Leo was a member of Ocala Baptist Temple where he served as a deacon and ministered in the jail and juvenile detention every Sunday afternoon for the Lord. He served as an assistant pastor at Highland Baptist Church in Williston, FL. He is loved and adored by his family and will be greatly missed. Death is never an easy thing for loved ones to cope with, but it does give Leo's family and friends comfort and peace, knowing he is with his heavenly Father.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Delapa, and Idell Hopper, his brothers Bill Delapa and Jim Overstreet and his sister Gwen Delapa. He is survived by his wife Iris Delapa; children Mary Owens (Eric Owens), Sheila Johnson-Delapa, and Frank Delapa (Shannon Nelson); 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be at Ocala Baptist Temple on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.  Flowers for the service may be sent to Ocala Baptist Temple.  Mr. Delapa will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery during a private family burial on February 17th.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. For death leaves a heartache, no one can heal, and love leaves a memory no one can steal."   Leo, Dad, Papa…We Love and Miss You!