Harold E. Deshong

Harold E. DeShong, 77, of McConnellsburg, PA, passed away Saturday, July 22nd, at the Fulton County Medical Center, McConnellsburg, PA.

Harold was born in McConnellsburg, PA on March 29, 1946, a son of the late Goldie Mae (Carbaugh) and George Preston DeShong.  He was the husband of Linda L. (Sowers) DeShong, who he married on March 24, 1963.

Harold retired from PennDot in 2004, after thirty plus years of service.  He was a member of the Sideling Hill Christian Church in Needmore, Pa.  He was a devoted family man, taking great pride in all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  You could always find Harold at youth sporting events, watching as a spectator or in his younger years coaching baseball and softball.  He also loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his family.  He enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and watching the birds around the house.

In addition to his wife Linda, he is also survived by his daughters Rhonda L. (wife of Walter) Swope, of Harrisonville, PA, Tina L. (wife of David) Welsh, of McConnellsburg, PA, Marcy M. (wife of Robert) Hedge, of McConnellsburg, PA, sons Jeff L.  DeShong, of McConnellsburg, PA, Kerry E. (husband of Michelle) DeShong, of McConnellsburg, PA and Brian H. (husband of Carrie) DeShong, of Harrisonville, PA.  Harold is also survived by eighteen grandchildren; Dawnielle Swope, Derek Swope, Nathan Swope, Jesse Swope, Kailey Swope, Kayla DeShong, Klarissia Barnett, Koltin DeShong, Mallory Lockard, Devin Welsh, David Welsh Jr., Cory DeShong, Krista Jo Strait, Taylor Hedge, Tucker Hedge, Dalton DeShong, Gavin DeShong, Marin DeShong, seven great grandchildren Rylee Lockard, Reagan Lockard, Reese Lockard, Easton Strait, Addysyn Frank, Amelia Castellar and Audrey Castellar.  He was preceded in death by a grandson David Blake Welsh, sister Lois Jean Hess Velasquez, brothers Donald DeShong, Marvin DeShong and Blaine DeShong.

There will be a visitation held on Thursday, July 27th from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc., McConnellsburg, PA.  Funeral services will be held at the Sideling Hill Christian Church, Needmore, PA , at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 28th,  with Pastor William Swope officiating.  There will also be one hour of visitation held prior to the service at the church.

Interment will be at the Sideling Hill Christian Cemetery Needmore, PA.

Arrangements were made by the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home Inc., McConnellsburg, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.howardlsipes.com.