He was born in Wren, Ohio to Sarah Isabelle (Conkle) and Clyde Cleo DeLong on March 6, 1925. The family lived in New Albany before moving to Center Village, OH where his father was the Superintendent of Harlem Schools. In 1930, Dean’s family began spending their summers at Perrin’s Landing where they enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Leelanau.

Dean entered the Air Force in 1943 to serve in WWII. He completed a full tour of duty which included flying 35 missions over Germany. He was a radio gunner on a B-17 aircraft with the 401st Bomb Group until honorably discharged in 1945. Following the war, Dean attended Otterbein College where he played basketball and was an active member in the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity. He remained a proud supporter of Otterbein College throughout his life.

Although Dean met his future wife, Doris, at Perrin’s Landing before the war, they didn’t start dating until he returned from service. They were married on June 16, 1949 at The First Congregational Church in Traverse City. Shortly after, they moved to Toledo, OH for Dean’s first teaching job. Dean and Doris had three children: Deana, Dawn and Diane. When people would comment on having three girls and no boys, Dean would reply, “I’ve always wanted to be surrounded by beautiful women”.

Dean was a dedicated teacher—both in and out of the classroom. He taught math and coached basketball in the Toledo Public School District until he earned his Master’s Degree from Bowling Green State University and became a principal. Later in his career he was a principal and then Assistant Superintendent of Washington Local School District, also in Toledo. His calm approach to problems made him perfect for the position. During the summer months, Dean taught swimming, worked as a lifeguard (Glengary Country Club) and was a camp director at both Camp Big Silver (The Boys Club of Toledo) and Camp Friendly. In his family and friend networks, Dean was known for teaching the kids how to water ski, swim, sail, and play euchre. He was known for being the adult in the family who was always up for a long game of Monopoly with the kids. An avid euchre player, he considered this an excellent way to spend quality time with his family, enjoying his last “loner” just two weeks prior to his death.

After retiring in 1981, Dean and Doris moved to Lake Leelanau. They spent their time fishing, sailing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and entertaining their vast network of family and friends. They also co-owned and managed Coldbrook Beach Campground. Their home was full of love, laughter, and abundant food and drink. When Dean wasn’t fishing, he enjoyed sailing, watching old movies (he knew every actor’s name), listening to music of the 1940’s, watching his “Buckeyes” (Ohio State) play football and enjoying a competitive basketball game on television. Dean and Doris wintered in Hernando, FL with a group of close friends.

Dean will be remembered as a patient, kind, big-hearted gentleman with a keen sense of humor. He was always dressed to impress and enjoyed staying up-to-date with current trends. Most recently, his Hey Dude shoes were a favorite part of his wardrobe.

Dean is survived by his children Dawn (Tom) Pinkelman, Diane (John) Kuhlman; grandchildren Chad (Laura Amy) Pinkelman, Jennifer McNutt, Sarah Pinkelman (Brian Reynard), Ashley Pinkelman, Matthew (Chelsea) Pinkelman; and great-grandchildren Connor Pinkelman, Paige, Chase, and Deana McNutt, and Tori Pinkelman-Reynard. He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-four years, Doris (Moore) DeLong, his parents, and his daughter Deana Ann DeLong.

There will be a graveside service at Solon Township Cemetery, Cedar, MI followed by a celebration of Dean’s life on June 15, 2024. Lake Leelanau held a special place in Dean and Doris’ lives. Therefore, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Lake Leelanau Lake Association https:// bit.ly/BillieDeanDeLong