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Stanton DeLong, 81

Stanton “Stan” DeLong was called to his heavenly home on March 31, 2018, after fighting a courageous nine year battle against pulmonary fibrosis and leukemia. Stan was born July 5, 1936, in Salmon, Idaho, to Dale and Esther DeLong.

Stan loved his country and served eight years and three months in the Navy Airborne aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea and in VF-103, aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal and in VP-48 and VP-31 at North Island Air Base. He served as a deputy and jail officer with the Mason County Sheriff’s Department in Shelton, Wash., and also as a sergeant with the St. Maries City Police Department in St. Maries, Idaho.

On Dec. 9, 2001, he was ordained as a Baptist minister by Fellowship Baptist Church, in Hensley, Ark., and served as the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, in LaBarge, Wyo., as well as in many other ministries. He was dedicated to God, his country and to his family. Many times he worked three jobs to provide for his family. He was loved and respected by all who met him, but especially by his family who never left his side during his last fight at the Schneidmiller Hospice House. We will miss you so much sweetheart; until we see you again on the other side — not goodbye, but see you later.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Ruth DeLong, and his daughter, Officer Tina DeLong Griswold. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Geneva, and their children, a son, Tom (Beth) DeLong; daughters, Tammy (Walter) Gipe, Tereasa (Kerry) Stevens and Tiffiny Ryan; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; 13 brothers and sisters; along with his lifetime friend and brother, John DeLong.

A military graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Grace Baptist Church, in Post Falls, Idaho. The family prefers memorials to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Yates Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and you may visit Stan’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.