Thomas Alva DeLong

Thomas A. DeLong
August 25, 1951 - June 28, 2026
74, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Thomas A. DeLong (Tom) was born in Borger, Texas, on August 25, 1951, to Ralph and Mary Lucille DeLong. In 1953, Tom moved with his family to Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where he remained a lifelong resident.

On February 26, 1972, Tom married the love of his life, Emilee Jo Carter, in Kiefer, Oklahoma. Together they built a beautiful family, welcoming Daniel Carter DeLong in 1977, Haylee Jo DeLong in 1979, and Julee Ann DeLong in 1982.

Tom was deeply devoted to his family and rarely missed an opportunity to support his children. Whether it was a soccer game, dance recital, baseball game, or Ping Ping performance, being present for his kids was one of his greatest priorities. During his 30-year career at Castle Metals, he also found time to serve as Scoutmaster of Troop 224 in Sapulpa for nine years. After retiring in 2000, Tom began a new chapter centered around his seven grandchildren, who quickly became the joy of his retirement years.

Summer weekends were spent at the family cabin on Grand Lake, part of the DeLong family compound that has been the family's gathering place for more than 70 years. It was a place where generations came to fish, enjoy water sports, dance, play games, and stay up late sharing stories together.

In 2007, Tom received the gift of a donor kidney after developing early-onset renal failure. That precious gift blessed him and his family with nineteen more years of cherished memories.

Tom faithfully attended many of the Sapulpa High School Class of 1969 reunions, where he enjoyed reconnecting with lifelong friends. He and Emilee especially loved spending time on the back deck of their home, relaxing beneath the shade of their old papershell pecan tree, admiring Emilee's flower gardens, and enjoying the antique 1938 minnow pond built by his father, grandfather, and uncle. The pond is still home to goldfish today.

Tom loved to sing, whether it was karaoke with friends or worshiping through song at church.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Emilee; his son, Daniel DeLong, and his wife, Brooke; his daughter, Haylee Wiseman, and her husband, Jason; and his daughter, Julee DeLong, and Mike Clark. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Gracelynn DeLong; Jake Wiseman; Tomi LaFevers; Annie Jones and her husband, Jacob; Abbey Wiseman; Logan DeLong; and Hannah DeLong.

Tom was one of nine children and was preceded in death by two siblings: Sharon Peterson; and Kay Zapf. He is survived by his brother, Ronny DeLong; his brother, Charles DeLong, and his wife, Lisbeth; his sister, Theresa Jones, and her husband, Ron; his brother, Stanley DeLong, and his wife, Rhonda; his brother, Kevin DeLong, and his wife, Patty; his sister, Janie Elledge, and her husband, Monty; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the scholarship fund being established in honor of Tom through Scout Troop 224. Please make checks payable to
Scout Troop 224
and mail them to:
Dawn Swinford
14650 S. Maple Ave.
Glenpool, OK 74033
Visitation
July 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Green Hill Funeral Home
Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Celebration of Life
July 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Westside Free Will Baptist Church
Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Tom will be remembered for his charm, quick wit, warm sense of humor, and deep love for his family and friends. His presence will be greatly missed, but the memories he created and the legacy of love he leaves behind will continue to bless all who knew him.
Tom's family takes comfort in knowing he is home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Arrangements are in the care of Green Hill Funeral Home.

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