Pastor Delwin “Del” Paul DeLong, 72 of Salem passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021 at his residence. He was born August 19, 1948 in Vermont, son of the late Vernon D DeLong and Elisabeth Royer DeLong Schubach. Del graduated from Montpelier High School in Montpelier, VT, Class of 1966, Salem College with a Bachelor’s in Education and WVU with a Master’s in Educational Curriculum.
Del was a minister with the Church of God (7th Day) and the pastor at the local church in Salem. During the forty plus years he ministered, he travelled for many mission trips including to India and the Philippines. Del served as a member of the Church Council of Twelve Apostles and was the managing editor of the Church of God Publishing House.
Del retired from the Harrison County Board of Education as a Math Teacher at Bridgeport Junior High and Bridgeport High School. Currently, Del was teaching at Notre Dame High School. His teaching career spanned for over fifty years.
Del was a longtime member of the Fairmont Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He was a pilot and loved to fly. He built his own airplane, a BD4, and he used that project to engage his Junior and Senior High math students.
Del is survived by his loving wife, Fawzia Dawn Drake DeLong whom he married September 25, 1969; two children, Benjamin Paul DeLong and wife Melany, Shepherdstown, WV, Todd Adam DeLong and wife Carmen, Henderson, NV; five grandchildren, Brooke Logan Fisher and husband Logan, Alexis Victoria DeLong, Gabrielle Elisabeth Diane DeLong, Mackenzie Gayle DeLong, Adam Paul DeLong; one great granddaughter, Peyton Joyce Fisher; stepfather, Wayne Schubach, New Martinsville, WV; seven siblings, David DeLong and Linda, Clarksburg, Daniel DeLong and Lorie, Odessa, MO, Derwood DeLong and Connie, Goochland, VA, Damon “Skip” DeLong, Salem, Sara DeLong, Wheeling, WV, Donnie DeLong, Texas, Darren DeLong, Spring Hill, FL; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Del was preceded in death by two children Peter DeLong and Amy DeLong; sister, Gail Esther “Heidi” Waybright.
Family will received friends at Davis Funeral Home of Salem, 1999 W. Main Street, Salem, on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 10:00AM until time of Funeral Service at 2:00pm with Pastor Ricky Herrera of Texas officiating. Interment followed at Salem IOOF Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.davisfuneralhomesalemwv.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Red Cross, 113 Lakeview Dr, Charleston, WV 25313. Davis Funeral Home of Salem is honored to serve the DeLong family.