Delbert "Allen" Fitch

October 19, 1946 - August 26, 2026

Delbert "Allen" Fitch, 79, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

on August 26, 2026, at 12:35 a.m., surrounded by his loving family.

Allen was born October 19, 1946, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Delbert Orville Fitch and Mary

Louise Rogers.

A proud United States Army veteran, Allen served his country during the Vietnam War from

1968 to 1971 and completed his service as a Specialist Five (SP5)(E5). His love for his fellow

veterans remained with him throughout his life. Nothing made him happier than seeing

another veteran, saying "Welcome home, brother," and striking up a conversation.

On February 18, 1972, Allen married the love of his life, Dale Dorene Fitch. For more than 54

years, they built a beautiful life and family together. Years ago, a doctor told them they would

live to be 111 and die on the same day-a story Allen loved to tell. While life had a different

plan, his love for Dale never wavered. He told her "I love you" every single day, often several

times a day. That expression of love became a family tradition passed down through

generations-you simply didn't say goodbye or hang up the phone without saying, "I love you."

Their special song was "The Twelfth of Never," a fitting reminder of a love meant to last a long,

long time.

Allen and Dale were blessed with two daughters, Christi Lynn Owens and Deanna Rene Ford,

and two sons-in-law, David Owens and Michael Ford. He was a proud grandfather (PaPa) to

Cole Parrish, Jake Parrish, Kaitlyn Conte, Gracie Stanley, and Noah Ford, and a treasured

great-grandfather to Lillian Conte, Luna Conte, Luci Conte, and Carter Parrish.

Allen worked for many years as a fire alarm inspector until 1992, when he was diagnosed with

four brain aneurysms associated with his Agent Orange exposure and retired. Through all that

life brought him, his wonderful sense of humor never waivered. Allen loved making people

laugh and smile. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing poker, and spending time with his

family and his beloved Labrador, Coco.

Allen's faith carried him through many battles. Each morning, he and his daughter Deanna

read a devotional together and prayed-not only for Allen, but for others fighting cancer and

facing difficult circumstances. Even during his own struggles, he prayed for others. He loved

listening to "Papa's Christian Playlist," and his faith remained a source of strength until the

very end.

His remarkable journey overcoming lung cancer through faith, family, and fenbendazole

inspired the book A Veteran's Lung Cancer Miracle: Faith, Family & Fenbendazole, allowing

his story of hope and perseverance to live on and encourage others.

Allen is survived by his loving wife, Dale; his daughters, Christi and Deanna; sons-in-law, David

and Michael; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brothers, Richard Lowe and Gary

Fitch; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise Rogers and Delbert Orville Fitch, and

his great-grandparents, Lillian and Luther Rodgers.

Allen spent his final days where he wanted to be-at home, surrounded by his family, his faith,

and his faithful Coco.

At exactly 12:35 a.m., Daddy's light on this earth went out, but his family finds comfort

knowing that was the moment he stepped into the eternal Light of Jesus.

"...and your lights burning." - Luke 12:35

Allen spent a lifetime telling his fellow veterans, "Welcome home, brother."

On August 26, Heaven welcomed him home.

And after more than 54 years of telling Dale every day how much he loved her, we know that

love doesn't end here.

Until the Twelfth of Never, Daddy.

And that's a long, long time.

We love you forever.