Our beloved dad, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bernard L. DeLong, (Bernie) left this earthly home and passed into the next to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 2, 2023 in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Bernard Lincoln DeLong was born in Flint, Michigan on December 27, 1927 to Guy Preston and Sarah Isabel DeLong. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Guy DeLong and Robert DeLong, and his sister Dorothy Deppen.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife Priscilla (Hobson) DeLong, sister Gloria Fritz, children Mike (Terry) DeLong, Lisa (Michael) Davis, and Amy (Michael) Main; grandchildren Ben (Danielle) DeLong, Tiffany Judkins, Jon DeLong, Joey (Sarah) Judkins, Matt (Jodi) DeLong, Lisa (Joel) James, Sam (Leslie) DeLong, Sarah Davis, and Emily (Daniel) Davis de Rodríguez; great-grandchildren Caleb DeLong, Macy DeLong, Katie DeLong, Lizzy DeLong, Adam DeLong, Luke DeLong, Levi DeLong, Cameron DeLong, Preston DeLong, Mira Judkins, Aaron Judkins, Isaac Judkins, Emily James, Eleanor James, and Eden James.
Bernie joined the U.S. Army in 1949 and then transferred to the U.S. Air Force in 1951, where he flew 69 combat missions in the Korean Conflict as a member of the 58th Fighter-Bomber Group, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals for his brave service to his country.
On November 26, 1955, Bernie married his beloved wife Priscilla. They spent almost 68 years enjoying life together, “And they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.” Genesis 29:20.
Bernie attended Penn State University, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts and Letters. He joined Houghton International that same year as an oil and chemical salesman where he spent his entire career, advancing to management and eventually becoming a Houghton International consultant upon retirement.
A true Renaissance man, Bernie was a man of multiple talents and interests, and was expert in many of them. These interests included music, nature, flying, fishing, psychology, motorcycles, literature, racquetball, and many more. He was especially interested in people, and was a great listener. He never met a person he didn’t like, and was genuinely interested in each one. In his words, “Everyone has a story.”
Bernie was especially fond of flying. He owned and flew a Piper Cub and two Luscombes. He was a proud member of the “Moraine Ghetto” at Moraine Airpark, where he hangared his beloved Luscombe. He took many trips to the Oshkosh airshow, proudly setting up camp under his Luscombe in the renowned antique classic section of the airfield. Bernie imparted his love of flying to many young men who went on to become pilots themselves.
Many of Bernie’s friends and all of his family can say that we are who we are, and we are better, because of him. Throughout his long life he influenced countless people to pursue new heights…including his grandchildren whom he once gleefully piled into roller coaster seats…behind his…at Cedar Point.
As a pilot, Bernie was fond of saying, “I landed there once,” whenever geography from Oshkosh to Seoul came up in conversation.
After navigating a graceful take-off, blessed by loving family and the gentle mercies of time, he has glided into his Father’s arms, leaving a legacy that is nearly impossible to match.
One final, beautiful, peaceful landing.
Rest in paradise.
“You will go to your grave at a ripe old age, like a sheaf of grain harvested at the proper time.” (Job 5:26)
Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, September 18, 2023 at Tobias Funeral Home, Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, OH. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of service Monday. Burial will follow service at David's Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com
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