Wilson T. “Bill” Harford, 84, Delphi died early morning Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at St. Vincent Hospice Center in Indianapolis. He had been in failing health the past year and prior to that had lived at Sunrise of Willow Lake assisted living in Indianapolis.

Born Feb. 9, 1925, in New Kingston, Pa., he was the son of the late Alvah “Jack” and Dorothy Mc- Clure Harford. His marriage was on Nov. 24, 1948, in Greenville, Ill., to Jean Long, who preceded him in death Sept. 28, 2007.

Mr. Harford was a 1943 graduate of Greenville High School. Following his service time in the U.S. Navy, he went two years starting at the University of Illinois then to Greenville College.

He was commissioned as an Ensign in the Naval Air Corp from 1943-1945. He was awarded his naval wings of gold, Naval Aviator May 9, 1945 at Corpus Christi, Texas, Lieutenant JG.

Mr. Harford and his wife moved from Illinois to Indianapolis then to Delphi in 1952.

He worked at Morris Plan in Indianapolis then sold farm machinery and insurance. He was employed at the Delphi Post Office as a rural mail carrier for 30 years and retired in 1988.

Mr. Harford was a member, deacon and elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Delphi, where he sang in the choir for many years. He later joined Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Lafayette.

He was active as a coach, manager and umpire in Delphi Little League.

Mr. Harford was a former Delphi City councilman, was on the Delphi Public Library Board, and belonged to JUNTO dinner club.

He was an avid golfer, teaching all five of his sons the game. He enjoyed stamp and knife collecting and raising racing pigeons.

He enjoyed cards and was in a bridge card club, and enjoyed board games and playing them with his grandchildren.

Surviving are five sons, Jack Harford (wife: Kyoko) of Indianapolis, J. Scott Harford (wife: Jeanann) of Lafayette, twins Ted Harford (wife: Carla) of Chico, Calif., and Tom Harford (wife: Livia) of Westfield, and David Harford (wife: Natalie) of Cincinnati, Ohio; a sister, Doris Hughey (husband: Mack) of Greenville; 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Preceding him in death was a granddaughter, Victoria, a grandson, Karl, and a brother, Howard.

Services were held Sunday at the Delphi United Methodist Church. Pastor Todd Ladd officiated. Burial followed at I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens in Pittsburg with Delphi and Camden American Legion and Delphi VFW military rites.

Memorials may be made to the Delphi Public Library.

Arrangements were handled by Abbott Funeral Home in Delphi.

Online condolences can be sent to abbottfuneralhome@ verizon.net.