Lawrence "Larry" C. DeLong

Lawrence C. (Larry) DeLong, a long-time resident of Kingsburg passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 with his wife, Faye, at his side. Larry had a 31-year career in education, teaching math and science before becoming a high school counselor. He retired in 1987 and was delighted to then turn to small-scale farming, growing plums, peaches, grapes and walnuts. Larry and Faye had five children: Dawn (Craig), Lowell (Ramona), Susie (Dan), Drew (Deborah), and Laura (Jim). Those five children gave them 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, who will all miss their quirky, frugal Cap'n Larry. Larry was an avid fisherman, hiker, environmentalist, and aluminum can recycler. You may have seen him riding the streets of Kingsburg on his three wheel bike collecting all manner of recyclable material. He took his family on many an adventure, generally involving tent camping at the beach or mountains. All five kids grew up with a love of water skiing because he coached them with endless patience and was always willing to "go around again." Larry and Faye moved to Kingsburg in 1961 and have lived continuously in a modest home where they cultivated lasting friendships. Their camping trips and backyard barbeques generally included the Nash, Polenz, Erickson and Montross family friends. There was always great food and often hand-churned ice cream made in a broken ice cream maker where one kid cranked and one kid had to sit on it to hold it steady. Larry was deeply connected to friends and family (both nuclear and extended). He delighted in corny dad jokes, was compassionate toward those less fortunate than he, had a curious mind, and a firm sense of justice and fairness. He was happy-as-a-clam to have his family gathered together and his most common farewell phrase was "y'all be sweet now." May angels sing thee to thy rest, Cap'n Larry, we'll miss you but we can carry on because you have taught us how. Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Monday, October 30th, 2023 at Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Lawrence "Larry" C. DeLong

October 26, 1930 - October 24, 2023