Delton W. O'Connell, 79, of Washington, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born July 24, 1946 in Seattle, Washington to the late John P. and Margaret (Ellis) O'Connell.  He married Patti Huber in Seattle on July 3, 1971.  She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Todd (Nicole) O'Connell; two grandchildren, Owen and Olivia; his twin brother, David O'Connell; sister-in-law, Terri (John) Lee; niece and nephews, Mandy, Adam and Jordan.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Gould; and two brothers, Tom and Gene Gould.

Delton was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and was very proud of that.  He worked as a custodian with the Northshore School District in the state of Washington before retiring.

He belonged to the American Legion Post #100 in Washington, and was a member and served as an elected official of the Budgerigar Society in the states of Washington and Arizona.

Delton spent his final years in Central Illinois enjoying and watching his grandkids finish their youth sports careers at WCHS and continuing his love for all his Seattle sports teams from just as he did growing up and living in the PNW.

Sunday dinners at Todd and Nikki's with all the "locals" were always on the top of his highlight list and we always waited to hear his every week question of "you got any snacks Nik"?

His love for all animals continued through his life until his final days always asking Patti how "the dogs were" every week.  He will be dearly missed.

Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to T.A.P.S. No-Kill Animal Shelter in Pekin.