Gene Vernon DeLong went to be with the Lord peacefully on January 12, 2025 surrounded by his family, which made a very sad event into one that was beautiful, because of the love so evident from his family. His death follows a long battle with COPD and cancer.
Gene was born in Dayton, Kentucky to the late Vernon Edgar DeLong and Lexie Lorraine Johnson (St. John) on September 23, 1945. Gene loved his family-every single one of them; the in-laws and the out-laws; he loved working, working with wood, and most especially MOWING. He always needed to stay busy. He made many friends and knew just about everyone. We all loved hearing his stories and his Tool Rental jokes. He had so many
accomplishments in his life and was proud of all of what he had done.
Shortly after his high school graduation in the class of 1963, he married the mother of his children, Diana Bidinger. Then, he proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. He started selling cars, which allowed him to meet many people and made many friends. On March 26th 1972 he sold a record number of vehicles and welcomed his 1st Born son Christopher, in 1976 his son Steven, and then in 1979, his daughter Susan. Then in 1988, he met a beautiful young lady, Brenda, with 2 adorable children Nicole and Mark. Then on March 11th 1989, they were married. Through the years Gene worked a few different places, From Selling cars, to Walmart in the automotive dept , to Auto Zone, and then to his most
favorite job Richland Glass and Tool Rental. Where he worked with his best friends, his brothers Chet and Currie DeLong. Then he finally retired, NOT!! He would later take his screen shop to his own place and just go down to stay busy and spend time with his big brother and a few pals. He was a very hard-working and dedicated man who was always there if you needed help. He was very strong like an ox, super smart, very kind and caring, loved everyone fiercely, but nothing made him prouder than his whole family. He loved children and loved to make them smile and giggle. When they laughed, he would do whatever it took to keep them going.
Gene will be deeply missed by his wife Brenda; Siblings Chester (Gail) DeLong, Currie (Shelia) DeLong, Lexanne (Steve) Dellos, Marsha Bell, Sister-in-law Gail Plaster, his children Chris (Wendy) DeLong of New York, Steve (Megan) DeLong of Mansfield, Susan DeLong of Polk, Nicole (Andy) Young and Mark (Lynn) Brandt; grandchildren Tyler (AJ) DeLong, Spencer (Grace) DeLong, Alaura DeLong, Zackary DeLong, Rachel Hoty, Riley DeLong, Chloe DeLong, Emerson Young, Jackson Young, Austin Hoty, Danielle Kinsel, Kailee Kinsel, Riley Brandt, Lincoln Brandt, Mathis Brandt and Candy Hawk; Great Grandchildren; Darrien Hoty, Jason DeLong, Caroline Hoty and Zariah DeLong; former wife Diana DeLong and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lori St. John, brother Larry St. John and nephew Larry DeLong.
Family and Friends will be having a private ceremony and arranging a celebration of life in the spring. Gene’s eldest grandson, Tyler, is currently serving our country and they would like to wait for his safe return to share many wonderful memories. Gene would not want it any other way.
The celebration of life will be April 26th 2025 at the Lexington Senior Center (The old train depot) at 67 East Main Street in Lexington, Ohio. From 2pm-5pm.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society- North Central Ohio
Website: www.ohiocremation.org