John Otis Delong

John Otis DeLong, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2024 at the age of 84. Born on December 9, 1939, in Missouri to Otis and Garnet DeLong, John lived a life marked by dedication to both his family and his work.

A proud alumnus of Missouri, John attended a trade school before finding his true calling in the aerospace industry as a machinist. He spent over 35 years working for McDonnell Douglas (Now known as Boeing), where he played a significant role in advancing the company's efforts in flight technology. His colleagues and those who worked with him remember him for his meticulous work ethic, innovative ideas, and his steady hand in an industry that shaped the future of aviation.

John met the love of his life, Sharon, and the two married, creating a home in Cerritos, CA where they raised their daughter Renae. Together, they built a life full of love, joy, and shared memories over the course of nearly 50 years. Their bond was unbreakable, and Sharon remained John’s true love, his partner in life until her passing in July 2022. Her loss left a profound emptiness in John's life, and he often spoke of her with a tenderness that reflected their deep and enduring love.

In his free time, John was an avid RC boating enthusiast, enjoying the competition and racing with his grandsons Chris and Nick. Many weekends were spent at the lakes, where he cherished time spent with family and friends, always happy to share a good story or offer a helping hand. But it was his family that remained the center of his world.

In his final years, John’s health began to decline, but he was never alone. His daughter remained by his side, providing comfort and love until the very end. John’s passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew him, but his legacy lives on in the lives of his children and grandchildren, who carry forward his values of hard work, love, and devotion.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon, and is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. John’s family takes comfort in knowing he is now reunited with Sharon, and that his memory will live on in their hearts forever.