Rock Island resident and Van Buren County native Thomas Wilburn “Bug” Delong Jr., 66, was born June 28, 1945 and died Oct. 2 at his residence following an extended illness.A logger and member of Mt. Eli Baptist Church, he was the son of the late Thomas Wilburn and Dellie Pauline Bishop Delong Sr. Mr. Delong served on the board of directors with the Van Buren County Fair Association from 2002 - 2006 and was president of Van Buren County Fair from 2003 - 2006. He was married to Phillis Rigsby Delong of the Rocky River community.In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Trent Delong and Travis Delong, both of the Rocky River community; two granddaughters, Katie Delong of Cookeville and Kenzie Delong of the Rocky River community; two sisters and brother-in-law, Nelda and Willie Pierce of the Rocky River community, and Karla Lee of the Piney community; three brothers and sister-in-law, Rickey Delong and Paul Delong, both of the Rocky River community, and Barry and Reba Delong of McMinnville and several nieces and nephews.Funeral service was held Tuesday at High’s Chapel with Willard Ralph Jr., officiating.
Thomas Wilburn Delong Jr., 66