Dr. William Lester DeLong

Dr. William "Bill" Lester DeLong, beloved husband, father, and foundation in the Yukon community, passed away on August 22, 2021, in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 79. Bill was proudly welcomed to the world by parents Charles and Ruth (Offenbacher) DeLong on August 5, 1942, in Bellefontaine, OH. Following high school graduation, the boy from "Northern" Ohio formed a friendship with a girl from "Southern" Ohio while they were both attending Bliss College. Bill and Edyth "Faye" McGuire celebrated her 18th birthday on August 14, 1960, and continued to celebrate her birthday together for the next 61 years. As Bill completed basic training with the Air Force and tech school, he and Faye officially began their journey as life partners, lovers, and best friends in 1964. The strong foundation of their bond led them confidently through both valleys to conquer and mountains of accomplishment in their lives.

The Air Force provided experiences from California to Georgia, and opportunities to strengthen their relationship and future. Desiring to build their family, Bill and Faye were overjoyed, and a little overwhelmed, to welcome their only son Chris as Bill began his Doctorate program at the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Finally, with a degree in hand and with their fellow Air Force friends' persistent recommendations to try out Oklahoma, Bill and Faye made the move to Yukon in 1975 and, to their surprise, did not want to leave.

Dr. McClure, an established chiropractor in town, welcomed Bill to his practice. As they grew, Bill and Faye branched out on their own with an office on Ranchwood Boulevard, continuing with a lease at the Salazar building, and then buying their own building north of Main Street displaying the large words "DeLong Chiropractic." The DeLong practice established itself as a staple in the Yukon community. Bill treated his patients like family, with a kind and compassionate personality. The Yukon newspaper proudly recognized him as "Best of Yukon" several years in a row, as voted by local readers. One of the highlights in his 42 years or practice was helping at the Oklahoma City Bombing site in 1995: something as simple as providing his expertise to the rescuers was a way he could show honor to their sacrifice.

Between the long workdays, Bill and Faye still created ways to enjoy their relationship, their family, and the great outdoors. They would jump in their vehicle with their Airstream trailer attached, crank up Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again," and venture out to various lakes and places of beauty to explore. A favorite was simply enjoying the sunset on Lake Eufaula, a place their camper was often parked. Friends would often join them on the weekends, creating lasting memories together. Bill cherished many friendships which spanned 60 years: from a pen pal he met through a trailer magazine, to friends from high school and the Air Force days. When Bill and Faye retired their practice in December 2016, they enjoyed a longer RV trip, relishing the sights and sounds around them across the country. One thing was certain, Bill was loved and admired by everyone around him, and they will miss him dearly.

Dr. Bill DeLong was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Ruth DeLong, and brother-in-law Carl Lowery. Those who await to reunite with him include his wife Faye DeLong, son Chris DeLong, bonus daughter Tiffany Rodriguez and her family, sister Janet Lowery, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.

Dr. Delong's life will be remembered on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary in Yukon, OK. Services are under the direction of Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary in Yukon, OK.

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