Larry DeLong

Lawrence “Larry” DeLong lived a long and full life – so much so, that when he knew his days were drawing to a close, he said that he was content with his life, feeling as though he had accomplished all of his dreams and desires. Larry had a zest for life that he often shared with all those around him, and he always knew how to have a good time no matter what he was doing. He not only made a career out of bikes and motorcycles, but they were his lifelong passions as well. Larry treasured his family and friends and loved surrounding himself with their warm presence as often as he could.

The 1930s were greatly affected by the Great Depression throughout the entire decade, but Americans persevered. There was advancement in the world of science with improved methods of administering anesthesia, and industrial research led to products made with nylon and cellophane, opening new worlds of production and employment opportunities. It was also during this time, that Everett and Frances (Jones) DeLong, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, were pleased to announce the birth of their son, Lawrence, on August 28, 1936. During this generation, the railroad was an integral part of the transportation of goods much more than it is today. Larry’s father worked for the railroad while his mother stayed home to care for the family and busy household. Larry grew up in Milwood and had three sisters, Yvonne, Diane and Carol. He lived a childhood that was typical of this time and he developed numerous friendships, many of which lasted for a lifetime. Larry attended local schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School.

It was during his teenage years, that a lifelong passion for bikes and motorcycles was ignited when he began working for Milwood Cycle. Eventually, Larry worked himself up to the position of business manager there, and he also established what would be a lifelong friendship with a fellow employee named Terry. When the business was sold to M&M Cycle, Larry was ready to pursue other employment opportunities, although he and Terry remained close friends. In 1976 Larry’s career then led him to PEC Midwest Technical Center where he worked as a precision machinist. He remained at PEC for the remainder of his career, retiring in 1998.

While he was busy with his bikes, Larry met a beautiful young gal who would forever hold a special place in his heart. Her name was Shirley Valentine and they met during the early fifties while she was working for her brother-in-law at the Superburger. It wasn’t long before a romance blossomed into a deep love, and Shirley became Mrs. Larry DeLong on May 7, 1955. The couple was later blessed with the births of two children: Debbie and David whom they raised in the family home on Gingham Street. In fact, this would be the home that Larry and Shirley shared for 50 years until they were parted by death. Larry loved the surroundings around his home and liked to just sit on his patio and enjoy his backyard that was bordered by woods and where deer were frequent visitors.

While they were raising their children, one of the things that they enjoyed doing as a family was camping. They often pulled their travel trailer up to Yankee Springs during the summer months, allowing Shirley and the kids to kick back and relax while Larry was still able to commute back into town for work. When the kids were off school for winter break, they pulled their travel trailer down south in order to escape the cold Michigan winters.

One of the things that made Larry so special to so many was his ability to make friends and the great joy he found in the relationships with them. Their neighbors were more than just neighbors, they were great friends who lived nearby for as long as Larry remained in his home.

When Larry had free time, there were many interests that he enjoyed as often as he could. His love for motorcycles was certainly his greatest passion, especially his Goldwing. He and Shirley often took it on road trips and attended numerous “Wing Ding” gatherings of their Goldwing Club. Larry was also a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association. He and Shirley loved traveling to far-away places such as Hawaii and Alaska. Larry was also a fan of NASCAR, and enjoyed taking in the races at the Kalamazoo Motor Speedway with his son David.

Life was drastically changed for Larry when his beloved Shirley passed away on October 1, 2006. Although he continued on with his day-to-day activities, he missed her terribly and was never quite the same. He especially missed the simple things like her fabulous cooking and after she was gone, nothing ever tasted quite the same. Larry was so thankful for his friends nearby during this time as they continued to support and encourage him in many ways, and also kept him out and about socially. Larry also enjoyed spending time drinking in the surroundings in South Haven from the deck of the sailboat that belongs to his daughter Debbie and her husband Bob. Just a week ago, Larry was able to relive his youth when he went to downtown Kalamazoo to see an old steam engine roll through town.

Larry also struggled with health issues throughout the last few years of his life. He was diagnosed with cancer when Shirley was ill, but he was able to overcome the disease at that time. Then just one month ago, he was diagnosed with leukemia from which he was unable to recover.

To Larry DeLong, life was for living and people were for loving whether it was his precious family or his numerous friends. He was very patriotic and had a deep love for his country, but his greatest passion was for his Goldwing motorcycle. Headed out on the open road with his wife as his passenger was where he loved to be as often as he could. Larry was a hard worker, yet he also loved to have fun, sharing his zest for life with all those within his reach. He leaves behind a vibrant collage of memories that will be forever treasured by all those he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed.

Lawrence “Larry” D. DeLong of Portage, MI, died on July 23, 2009 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Members of Larry’s family include his daughter, Debbie (Bob) Beck, and his son, David DeLong and Roxanne Blackman; his grandson, Evan Mendez; his granddaughter, D.J. DeLong; his sister, Yvonne Markley; brother-in-laws, Steve Engberts and Burl Valentine; sister-in-law, Mayoma Dawson; many nieces and nephews; as well as many very close friends and neighbors. Larry was preceded in death by his sisters, Diane Young and Carol Engberts. Visit with Larry’s family and friends on Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Larry’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation the American Cancer Society.