Stephen Michael Delong

Steve was born on November 7, 1949 in Springfield, Illinois and passed away, Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 8:10 p.m. at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri. Steve graduated from Feitshans High School in 1967, followed by attaining a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Steve was a veteran during the Vietnam War and spent his three years of service at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri as a drill sergeant. After his military service, he became a Sangamon County deputy sheriff from 1971-1974. He opened and operated Southtown Motors at 11st and So. Grand in Springfield from 1974 until he moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1989. There he pursued his love of the automotive industry and relocated to Osage Beach, Missouri in 2004, where he opened and operated Hammertime Construction, Southtown Motors and Southtown Graphix. Steve was a member of the Elks, an accomplished pilot, and a master carpenter. He is survived by one son, Douglas DeLong of Springfield, Illinois, a daughter Stephanie DeLong Ward of Draper, Utah, a daughter Ashley DeLong of Omaha, Nebraska, a grandson Christian DeLong of Springfield, Illinois, a sister Renee DeLong of Cerritos, California, as well as several nieces and nephews. Steve is also survived by his beloved dogs, Rosebud and Alli and his cat Duke. He ws preceded ind eath by his parents, Harold and Neva DeLong of Springfield, Illinois and his wife, Rebecca Hansen DeLong, who passed in 2010. A memorial service will be held at the Elks Lodge in Osage Beach, Missouri, Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. for friends and family, followed by burial at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois on December 5, 2016.