Delbert Worthington Hahn

Delbert Worthington Hahn passed away in his home on January 12, 2025, at the age of 90. Del was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 8, 1934, the first child of Emily and Raymond Hahn. He was raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. 

Del joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Korea during the Korean War. Del was a lifelong Marine and always celebrated the Marine Corps birthday. Semper Fi. 

Del graduated from Ohio University and thereafter married Carolyn Ann Schoulin, the love of his life, on June 22, 1959. Del then attended law school with the goal of joining the FBI. He became a Special Agent and entered the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover in 1963. Del retired in 1985 after a career that ranged from the pursuit of bank robbers, to corrupt politicians, and to drug smugglers. He was described by colleagues as one of the best agents they ever knew. Del is a published author, having written Smugglers End: The Life and Death of Barry Seal, based on one of his most notorious subjects.

Del and Carolyn lived in Toledo, Ohio, where their daughter Jannean was born, and then Jacksonville, FL, where their son David was born. They then lived in New Orleans before settling in Baton Rouge where he retired from the FBI. Following retirement, Del ran his own private investigation business until 2024 and worked as the primary investigator for the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners for twenty-five years, where he investigated the investigators. 

Beyond raising their two children, Del and Carolyn dabbled in Quarter horses and enjoyed a lifetime of travel, making more than 30 trips to Europe where they enjoyed visiting countries from their heritage. They enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren, taking many unique trips across the United States, and a longtime tradition of celebrating happy hour. Happy hour was daily at four, not a minute late nor a minute before was a favorite phrase. Del was known for his wonderful sense of humor and leaves behind of history of ditties, stories, and jokes to his family and friends. Many beloved memories.

Del is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn; his children and their spouses, Jannean and Kevin Garrett and David and Allison Hahn; seven grandchildren, Holly (Lee) Bourgeois, Gabe (Diana) Garrett, Robin (Brett) Hokamp, Andrew (Hannah) Garrett, Katherine (Fernando) Nussenbaum, William Hahn, Mary-Margaret Hahn; and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emily and Raymond Hahn; his brother, Richard; and his grandson, David Neal Garrett. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tunnel to Towers or St. Jude in honor of Del.