Edward “Ed” Michael DeLong, 84, of Johnson City, TN, passed away following a three-year journey with dementia. A native of Harlan, IN, Ed was born on April 30, 1941, in St. Joseph, MI, to Garold “Mike” R. and Doris I. DeLong (nee Kurtz). Throughout his decline in cognition, Ed maintained a servant’s heart and a sweet spirit that endeared him to his caretakers.
Ed was a graduate of Harlan High School, where he was Valedictorian and Class Vice-President. He lettered in six sports as well as in choir. He attended Franklin College, where he played basketball and served as President of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Ed worked for East Allen County Schools as a math teacher at Woodlan High School for 39 years. His commitment to the school extended to the athletic department, where he served as the assistant football coach and defensive coordinator for 35 years and the head coach of the girls’ basketball team for 13 years. Additionally, he coached and volunteered for several other sports, including track, baseball, and wrestling.
A resident of Harlan for many decades, Ed was a member of the Harlan Lions Club. He served the Harlan Park Association for many years as the fair treasurer for Harlan Days. He was a regular volunteer for Special Olympics and Challenger Athletics, and he was a faithful donor of blood to the American Red Cross for several decades.
Ed was a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ, expressing his love of God through his love of neighbor. For decades, he was a member of Woodburn Missionary Church in Woodburn, IN, where he served as an usher and in many other capacities. Most recently, he worshipped at Grandview Christian Church in Johnson City, TN, where he sang in the choir.
Ed’s greatest joy was his family. He doted on his beloved wife and together they supported their children and grandchildren in numerous ways. They traveled locally and coast-to-coast to support their loved ones in countless competitions, athletic events, concerts, and musicals.
Ed is survived by his wife, Connie L. DeLong (nee Miller); children Matthew (Bonnie) E. DeLong, Noah (Beth) D. DeLong, and Deborah J. DeLong; and grandchildren Ross, Grace Margaret, Luke, Lily, Anna, and Laura. He is also survived by his brother Stephan (Suellen) R. DeLong and sister-in-law Dru DeLong. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jeffery E. DeLong.
The family wishes to thank the following for their compassionate care: Kingsport Adult Day Care Center, Avenue Home Health Care especially caregivers Dina, Jen, Kyle, Joshua, Lacy, and Kaeluh, Heart of a Daughter, and Gentiva Hospice.
The funeral service will be at Grandview Christian Church (Buffalo Campus) in Johnson City, TN on Saturday, April 4, 2026, with visitation 1pm-2:45pm and funeral at 3pm with Minister Aaron Wymer officiating. There will be an additional visitation at D.O. McCombs Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, IN at 4017 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 from 11am-1pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Ed will be laid to rest with a Graveside Service at South Scipio Cemetery at 2pm.
Memorial gifts may be made to Milligan Concert Choir at Milligan University, PO Box 750, Milligan, TN 37682 or Kingsport Adult Day Care, 4260 Fort Henry Drive Suite 18 Kingsport TN 37663.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the DeLong family by visiting www.montevistafunerals.com.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Edward “Ed” Michael DeLong and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
