Delmar L. Ring

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on March 7, 2007:

Delmar Lawrence Ring Born October 6, 1926 - Died November 22, 2006 Delmar Lawrence "Del" Ring was born in Wabasha, Minnesota on 6 October 1926, grew up on family farms, and got his 3 R's in a one room (1 teacher teaching 8 grades) country school. He graduated from High School at age 15, started college at 16, enlisted at 17, was commissioned a 2d Lt Inf, via Ft Benning OCS at 18, went to the Far East at 19, served as Plt Ldr, Co Comdr, & Regt'l S-4, resg'd as 1st Lt for the convenience of the government. (at that time, competitive appointments to enter West Point from the Army were available only to enlisted men). He reenlisted as a 1st Sgt, arriving at USMA Prep at Stewart Field about 1 Dec 46, from which he entered West Point. The day after graduation, Del married Jean Sheffield in Ridgewood NJ; they have been blessed with 4 sons and 9 grandchildren, 5 of whom are in college, all are healthy, and all doing well in their academic and sports endeavors. His West Point classmates recall: "With a start from Lake City, Minnesota, with some experience in the Army including a stay at Stewart Field, and with someone waiting, Del arrived at West Point. An 'intermurder' boy, Del helped make M-2 soccer, crew, and football teams brigade champions. Fortunately always eligible Del liked his week-ends best. Del's goals extend beyond graduation and he is sure to reach them." During his cadet days Del was in the Catholic Choir; M-2 Hop Manager all four years; was with the Radio and Model Railroad Clubs yearling year; with the German Club cow and first class year; an Acolyte first class year; and was a Cadet Captain, Company Commander of M-2. Del selected the Corps of Engineers. After completing the Officer Basic Engineers Course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, he was assigned as a Tac Officer in The Engineer Officer Candidate School at Belvoir. When that assignment was finished, he reported to the 118th Engineer Combat Battalion, 43rd Division, and served as a Company Commander until 1954. He resigned his RA commission, stayed in the ORC, and was promoted to Major, before resigning from the ORC. In his civilian career, he worked as a Plant Manager, as Vice President of a machine builder of transistor and integrated circuit assembly machinery, as Vice President of a Cincinnati machine tool builder, and finally as President & General Manager of a systems engineering and distribution company. In 1975, the Rings bought a 125 acre farm between Dayton & Cincinnati, decided to live there, built a house and moved to the farm in 1981. They stepped up Del's avocational horse activity, 1) as joint Master of Foxhounds of the Miami Valley Hunt, and 2) breeding, raising, training, and competing, Event (3 Day eventing is a civilianized version of the old Cavalry 3 Day competition) horses. By 1998, they had reduced their horse population from 6 to 2, both talented equine athletes Del could hunt and compete. This enabled them to focus on their real estate project, converting the farm to 1A+ homesites. In early 2000, they moved into their newly designed and built "Empty Nester" (one story, 2 bedrooms & study, wheelchair stepless entry via back door and patio), on a site adjacent to the stable. If they continue to be blessed with good health, they think they can complete development of the farm by our 55th in 2006. Click for Dancing Horse Del would have loved to own this horse. A bit of horse trivia---In addition to his own horses, Del has had the stroke of luck to ride Hatsushimo, "First Frost", (Emperor Hirohito's white Arabian parade stallion. Some of you may have seen pics of the Emperor riding him in the Army's "Why We Fight" WW II training films), the Army mules, and an Army Pentathlon Team horse (stabled in the Riding Hall, during our Plebe Year). We may be the last class to have a member ride a horse in the Riding Hall, before it became an academic building. ****************************************************************** Cousins reports as follows: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 5:15 PM Subject: Delmar Ring's Funeral I have just returned from Waynesville, Ohio, where the memorial service for Delmar L. Ring, Class of 51, was held. The service took place in the St. Augustine Church, the Catholic parish to which Del and Jean belong. Father Raymond C. Kammerer conducted the mass and was very laudatory of Del's participation in and service to the parish. He challenged all in attendance to emulate Delmar in utilizing the talents God has given to each. Del's son, Stephen, handled the readings, and son, Larry, gave the eulogy which was very well done in tribute to his father. Larry had accompanied Delmar to the 55th Reunion. After the service all attendees were invited to a luncheon provided by the women of the parish. The Class of 51 was represented at the service by Barney and Muriel Landry, Paul Niedringhaus, and myself. Another West Pointer, Dave Beurket of the Class of 57, was also present. Jean was very appreciative of all efforts to honor Delmar. John Cousins

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