Roger Meredith DeLong, 70, of Valley Center, passed away on October 3, 2024. He was born on the family farm in Strawn, KS on September 22, 1954, to Wendall and Alice DeLong and was the youngest of four siblings.

Roger started school in Independence, KS before the family moved to Howard, KS.  He graduated from the consolidated high school of North Elk, where he met his high school sweetheart and life partner, Debra.  The couple united in marriage on May 26, 1974.  Roger was employed by Koch Industries and subsidiaries for 48 years.  Throughout his career the family made their home in several locations starting in Colorado, then Bucklin, KS, then Russell, KS and lastly Valley Center.  The DeLongs made lifelong friendships within each community they lived and faithfully served.

Roger served his communities in many ways including as a school board member, church leader and youth coach.  He was an active church member in every community they lived, most recently Valley Center Christian Church where he often led fellowship through offerings, meditation, and Sunday School Services.  He loved Christ and lived his life as an example to others.  Roger prioritized faith, family and service to others.

Roger developed and shared a love for the outdoors with his father as they spent hours hunting and fishing together in rural Kansas. Roger excelled in athletics and remained active with town team athletics, hunting and fishing well into his adulthood.  As his own family grew, Roger enjoyed sharing that love with each of his children and grandchildren.  He rarely missed an athletic event or activity no matter the travel involved as he prioritized family and being present.

Roger is survived by his wife, Debra of Valley Center, son Bryan (Trisha) DeLong of Overland Park, KS, daughter Heather (Ryan) Liess of El Dorado, KS, son Brock (Stephanie) DeLong of Wichita, KS, four grandchildren, Kayte DeLong, Avery DeLong, Evan Liess, Brynn Liess and his siblings, Bill DeLong of Wichita, KS, Ava Farid of Wichita, KS and Linda DeLong of Burlington, KS.   Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Wendall and Alice DeLong.

Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. Oct. 14 at Valley Center Christian Church and interment will follow at South Lawn Cemetery in Severy at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are made to Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) or Valley Center Christian Church. Donation information below:

Breakthrough T1D donations can be mailed to 215 West Pershing Road, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64108. Online donations can be made at Make a Memorial Donation - BreakthroughT1D.

Valley Center Christian Church can be mailed to 1801 E 5th St, Valley Center, KS 67147. Online donations can be made at  Donate to Valley Center Christian Church :: Powered by Aplos.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com

link for service. livestream

https://youtube.com/live/spxQhfPB0sU?feature=share