Our Family Serving Your Family
Princeville, Dunlap, Brimfield, Edelstein, Laura, Monica
Also Serving The Wyoming & Toulon Areas

Obituary of Richard A. "Duck" DeLong

Chillicothe–Richard A. “Duck” DeLong, 61, of Chillicothe, died at 11:59 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at his residence.

Richard was born November 11, 1947, in Peoria, the son of C. Lowell DeLong and Lillian Meister DeLong.  He married Diane C. Hayward on August 3, 1979, in Peoria; they later divorced.  Surviving are two sons, Donald DeLong of Peoria Heights and Ryan DeLong (Kendee Fuller) of Canton; his stepmother, Delores DeLong of Peoria; one brother, Dan (Melanie) DeLong of Morton; two aunts, Evelyn (Ralph) Aberle of Collinsville and Arvilla Hume of Eugene, OR; two grandchildren, Hunter Varnes and Dominic DeLong of Canton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by both parents and several aunts and uncles.

Richard served in the US Army and was stationed in Viet Nam.  He worked as a pipe fitter for Caterpillar, Inc. at Mossville Plant Building BB, retiring after 32 years. 

Richard was a member of the Native American Fellowship Dayspring Church in East Peoria, serving as firekeeper.  He played volleyball with a group for over 30 years.  He was a member of Viet Nam Veterans of Illinois, where he continued to raise the issue of POW/MIAs.  He was a member of Riverside AA in Chillicothe where he became very close to fellow members.

Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home, Chillicothe.  Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin and Two Hawks will officiate.  Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Blue Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family via www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements by Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville.