Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Forrest A. DeLong

Forrest A. DeLong, age 97, of Shelby, died Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Louis Stoke Cleveland VA Medical Center Wade Park Campus.

 

Forrest was born August 2, 1917 in Ganges, Richland County, Ohio, the son of the late James Burley and Pearl (Keckler) DeLong. Forrest was truly a man of the “Greatest Generation.” He selflessly defended his country serving as a member of General Patton’s 3rd Army, 2nd Division, 23rd Infantry parachuting into Normandy on D-Day and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He also fought in France, Belgium, and Germany and was in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia on V-E Day. Forrest was a hard worker his entire life. He was an electrician at Ideal Electric for 27 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 15 years. Upon his retirement, he worked at the YMCA for 8 years and managed the Mansfield Avenue Car Wash for 4 years. He was a lifetime member of Trinity United Methodist Church (the original Evangelical United Brethren) where he was currently the eldest member.

 

On May 19, 1943, Forrest married Kathleen Cashen and she survives. Also surviving are: a daughter: Sandy (Bill) Russell of Shelby; 2 sons: Jim (Donna) DeLong of Canton, MI, Bill (Kathy) DeLong of Cottonwood, AZ; 6 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Forrest was preceded in death by his brother, Richard DeLong, and an infant brother, Ivan DeLong.

 

Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, January 4, 2015 from 2-5 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM with Rev. Dr. Edna Stahl officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail at the funeral home and burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

 

To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: penwellturner.com

 

Memories & Condolence

  1. Fred Studer says:

    To Jim, my deepest condolence on the loss of your father and may he rest in peace, Fred…..

  2. Crystal Backensto says:

    My buddy Forrest I will miss you dearly,you were a sweetheart and always put a smile on my face when you walked through the door. Although I am heartbroken that you had to go I am also happy that you will no longer be in pain.I never knew all the great things you did for our country and I want to thank you for your services. I will be there on Sunday to say goodbye to you.Love you buddy!

  3. Linda Stentz says:

    To the DeLong family,
    I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy on the loss of ur dad . I used to deliver their News Journal. They were the sweetest people . May God Wrap his arms around your family during this difficult time n in the days to come .

    Linda Stentz

  4. LOIS LOWE says:

    Sandy im so sorry to here bout your daddy Love & Prayers to you all

  5. Dr. Barbara Yeager says:

    To the DeLong family, Forrest will be greatly missed. He was true gentleman and a wonderful caring man. Please know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time. God Bless you

    Dr.Barbara Yeager
    Mansfield VA Outpatient Clinic

  6. Kim Stover says:

    To the DeLong family,
    The staff and members at the Shelby YMCA send our sincere condolences to your family. We appreciate his hard work and dedication during his time here. An inspirational man for us all.
    Kimberly Stover
    Shelby YMCA

  7. Terry Boice says:

    Sandy & Jim, Sorry to here on the passing of your Dad.

  8. Troy & Monica Baker says:

    Forrest will be truly missed by our family. We shared a pew with him at church on Sundays. He was kind, a gentleman & a hero for our country. We are honored to have known him. May God give you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.

  9. Patricia Hampton Terry says:

    Sandy,
    I was sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Condolences to your family. I never knew how he served our country. You must have been very proud of him.

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