Obituary for Jerry DeLong
Jerry Earl DeLong, 85, passed away on November 17, 2020. He was born in Cordell, Oklahoma on January 16, 1935, to Barney and Lotie DeLong. Jerry was raised in Carnegie, Oklahoma where he attended school and excelled in boxing, baseball, basketball, football, and track. He learned the value of hard work by working after school, on weekends, and during summers at the family-owned DeLong Tire Company. After graduating from Carnegie High School in 1953, Jerry served as a Corporal Airman 2nd Class in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1956. Jerry married the love of his life, Gloria Freeze, on February 22, 1957.
Jerry’s love of sports and history inspired him to choose a career in education, so he could coach athletes and teach history. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Jerry made a difference in the lives of thousands of students during his 30-year career as a coach, teacher, and principal. He loved students of all ages and encouraged them to use their talents, to live up to their potential, and to become productive citizens. Coach DeLong was an amazing role model for the athletes he coached and the students he taught, impacting their lives in a positive manner, and earning their respect.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Barney DeLong, Jr., Robert DeLong, Billye Tooman, Aileen Montgomery, and Bettye Lee Whisenant. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gloria DeLong; children Peggy Davidson and husband Terry, Jeffrey DeLong and wife Leslie; his beloved grandchildren Jeremy Davidson and wife Lindsey, Jake DeLong and Nash DeLong; great-granddaughter Kinsleigh Rae Davidson, bonus granddaughter, Cassie Wagner, and bonus great-granddaughter, Addison Wagner.
Jerry was a man of many talents. Besides excelling in sports, he could play the trumpet, tap dance, and ballroom dance. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his friends before his health declined. His other interests were reading, watching westerns, and playing dominoes and cards. His sense of humor was contagious and his love for people was obvious. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Waxahachie and enjoyed praising God by singing hymns with his beautiful tenor voice in the church choir.
Jerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who made the world a better place for those who knew him. Grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life and they adored their “Juicy” as he was called. Juicy was always there giving the best hug, telling the best stories, and maybe even initiating a foot race from time to time. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved until they are reunited someday in their forever home.
A private family graveside service will be held and interment will be at the Dallas - Ft. Worth National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 511 West Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas. www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com
Jerry’s love of sports and history inspired him to choose a career in education, so he could coach athletes and teach history. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Jerry made a difference in the lives of thousands of students during his 30-year career as a coach, teacher, and principal. He loved students of all ages and encouraged them to use their talents, to live up to their potential, and to become productive citizens. Coach DeLong was an amazing role model for the athletes he coached and the students he taught, impacting their lives in a positive manner, and earning their respect.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Barney DeLong, Jr., Robert DeLong, Billye Tooman, Aileen Montgomery, and Bettye Lee Whisenant. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gloria DeLong; children Peggy Davidson and husband Terry, Jeffrey DeLong and wife Leslie; his beloved grandchildren Jeremy Davidson and wife Lindsey, Jake DeLong and Nash DeLong; great-granddaughter Kinsleigh Rae Davidson, bonus granddaughter, Cassie Wagner, and bonus great-granddaughter, Addison Wagner.
Jerry was a man of many talents. Besides excelling in sports, he could play the trumpet, tap dance, and ballroom dance. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his friends before his health declined. His other interests were reading, watching westerns, and playing dominoes and cards. His sense of humor was contagious and his love for people was obvious. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Waxahachie and enjoyed praising God by singing hymns with his beautiful tenor voice in the church choir.
Jerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who made the world a better place for those who knew him. Grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life and they adored their “Juicy” as he was called. Juicy was always there giving the best hug, telling the best stories, and maybe even initiating a foot race from time to time. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved until they are reunited someday in their forever home.
A private family graveside service will be held and interment will be at the Dallas - Ft. Worth National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 511 West Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas. www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com