Gerald Lee (Bill) Long, age 85, of Joplin, passed away at his home at 12:37 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014, surrounded by members of his loving family. We are forever grateful to the individuals at Hospice Compassus who provided such compassion and care through our loved ones final journey, and to the individuals of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mt. Vernon/Fayetteville, who assisted in his care for many years. Also, to individuals at Freeman Health Systems. . . beyond the call of duty; to Dr. John Paulson, M.D., who meant so much to our loved one, for his care and personal concern for his well-being.
Bill was born on May 17, 1929 in Carmen, Oklahoma, to Curtis and Geraldine Copeland Long. He moved to Salina, Kansas at the age of 16 and received his high school diploma there. He married Cecilia Karlin on December 9, 1950 in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She survives at the home. Bill was a member of the armed forces, stationed at Camp Carson Colorado. He served as Sergeant First Class in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 with the 439th Engineering C Battalion. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with six bronze service stars – United Nations Service Medal Meritorious Unit. He held the position of district manager for an insurance company in Kansas for 14 years.
A new job took him and his family to Carthage, Missouri in 1969, where he was a district sales manager in the field of Agricultural sales. He was a self-taught carpenter and crafted beautifully, precise work, using his talent in an In-Home Repair business he started after retiring from sales. Bill and his family moved to Joplin, Missouri in 2004 after he suffered a massive stroke that left him disabled. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, meeting new people and spending time with his wife and family. He was a man of integrity who taught his children by example. He was a loving, compassionate, caring, kind, and honest person, always quick to help others in need. He had a great sense of humor and strong work ethic. To know him was to love him. His passing has left a void in this world that cannot be filled. He was one of a kind. A member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Carthage, Missouri Bill was active in the Knights of Columbus Council 9190.
Additional survivors include five daughters and two sons: Rebecca McDonald and husband, Ron, Tulsa, OK; Rachel Lee Long Berryhill and husband Don, Austin, TX; Christine Baker and husband, Ron, Joplin; Jerry Long, Asheville, NC, Thomas Long and wife Jayna, Smyrna, TN; Annette Karns and husband, Brian, Joplin; Edie Long and Rana Dhar, Joplin; Eight grandchildren: Julie McDonald Conly and husband Brian, Broomfield, CO; Kristopher McDonald and wife, Kat, Los Angeles, CA; Hannah Berryhill, Austin, TX; Corey Brixey, Fort Carson, CO; Karli Long Silvers and husband, Scott, Carthage, MO; Emily Long, Carthage, MO; Audrey Long, Kansas City, MO; Reece Long, Smyrna, TN; Three great grandchildren: Lily and River Conly, Broomfield, CO; and Graham Silvers, Carthage, MO; Three sisters: Mary Johnson, Joyce Nickel and husband, Dean; Twila Young and husband Don, all of Enid, OK; One brother, Wayne Long and wife Alicia, Yukon, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marjorie Jernigan of Wichita, KS.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Reverend J. Friedel, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made to the American Cancer Society, in his memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory in Joplin, MO.
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