Ralph E. Delong

Ralph E. DeLong, 87 formerly of Vienna, W.Va. passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2012 in Wilmington, NC.He was born January 27, 1925, in Eureka, W.Va., a son of the late Fred and Mae Wheaton DeLong. Ralph was a graduate of St. Marys High School, the Empire State Optical School and Electrical School. He was a US Navy veteran, having served in the South Pacific during World Ware II. He retired from Johns Manville after 47 years of service, where he was an electrician. Ralph was a member of the Wayside United Methodist Church; a member of the Shrine and Masonic Temple; the American Legion; and the Parkersburg Coin Club.He and his wife, Ina were volunteers for the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and with several groups at Wayside. Ralph was an avid gardener and coin collector, and after retirement, he and Ina enjoyed traveling and took several memorable cruises together.He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer DeLong-White of Wilmington, NC; his son, Edwin DeLong and his wife, Sheryl of Lander, WY; and four grandchildren, Evan and Amanda White and Morgan and Alexandria DeLong.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ina K. DeLong on March 26, 2002. Ralph was never the same after the loss of his wife, and undoubtedly is at peace now that they are reunited.Funeral services will be held Noon on Friday, August 10, 2012 at the Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 3005 Grand Central Ave. Vienna, W.Va. with Rev. Sandy Runion officiating. Full military mites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 15 of Parkersburg. Interment will follow at the Willow Island Cemetery with full Masonic Rites. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.