OBITUARY: Kevin Christopher DeLong

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Kevin-Christopher-DeLong

Kevin Christopher DeLong, age 54 (and 235 lbs. of solid muscle), of Mt. Juliet, TN was called home by his Heavenly Father on April 8, 2023.

Kevin was born on August 8, 1968 in Streator, IL and was a 1986 graduate of Streator Township High School.

He earned his Associate degree in Criminal Justice from IVCC, but was most proud of the “common sense” he developed early on as a student of life.

Kevin proudly retired in 2018 as a Major with the Illinois Department of Corrections after serving justice and serving Illinois for 30 years. He quickly un-retired by accepting a job with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department in Pontiac, IL and started an LLC with his Iron Pig Brother, Tony. The corruption of the State of Illinois, in combination with the warmer riding weather of the South, led him to pursue his lifelong retirement dream of becoming a Tennessean.

In 2021, Kevin moved to Mt. Juliet, TN with his wife, Stephanie, to open CP Between The Lakes while simultaneously owning DeLong’s Casual Dining & Spirits in Pontiac, IL. In retirement, Kevin spent his mornings working various “quitting jobs”, as he liked to call them, serving his community as a Wilson County Judicial Commissioner and was currently employed at Christian Brothers Automotive.

Kevin, “Hollywood”, “Big Kev”, or “KD”, will be remembered most for the passion he poured into his numerous hobbies and the commanding presence he maintained over the course of his life.

From the time he was young, there was nothing Kevin enjoyed more than riding his motorcycles. He rode cross-country with his sons and since November of 2009, with his Brotherhood, the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club. When he wasn’t riding, Kevin was hiking, boating, shooting, working out (boasting a bench press max of 405 lbs!), traveling, disdainfully (yet loyally) rooting for the Chicago Bears as a Season Ticket Holder, or working on his relationship with God as a member of the Bridge Fellowship Church.

Kevin will be deeply missed by his family who, without a doubt, were the light of his life. Before his passing, Kevin shared one simple request of us all – don’t go “boo-hooing” on his behalf – live your lives and never let the bastards wear you down.

Kevin is survived in life by:
His parents – Alvin and Judy DeLong of Streator, Illinois
His wife of 30 years – Stephanie Kruger DeLong
His 5 Children – Tessa DeLong (Eldon “Sam”) Mackinson, Stephanie “Jr.” DeLong, Kalee DeLong (Jamie Ray) Adams, Kyle DeLong, and Keegan DeLong
His Brothers – Todd DeLong and Matthew (Kristin) DeLong nephew AJ DeLong
And his 4 Grandchildren – Charlotte Adams, age 3, Noah Mackinson, age 2, Harlee Adams, age 1 and Baby Boy Adams, due in October 2023.

Kevin is preceded in death by:
His brother – Eric DeLong
His beloved four-legged best friend – Payton

Visitation was from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. A Celebration of Life service was conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at The Bridge Fellowship Church, 5066 Lebanon Road, Lebanon, TN with Pastor Jim Johnston officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Small World Adoption Programs, a non-profit organization that pairs orphaned children with Christian families in the Tennessee area, or Branches Counseling Center of Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Donations can be made at smallworldadoption.com/donate or branches.org/donate, respectively.

Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615) 773-2663. www.bondmemorial.com

 

For more obituaries visit https://wilsoncountysource.com/obituaries/

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