William E. 'Bill' Long, age 77, Joplin, passed away at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Freeman West Hospital.
Bill was born September 23, 1941 in Joplin to the late Walter Long and Frances Poteet Long and had lived in Joplin all of his life.
Bill worked for forty years at Eagle Picher Technologies, retiring as C.E.O. in 2001. Bill enjoyed bass fishing, participating in bass tournaments and serving as a fishing guide in the area for many years. He was a non-commissioned consultant for Legends Boats and restored old cars and trucks in his spare time. He was featured in Chevy magazine, for his work on his mother's '65 Chevelle and a '72 GMC pickup truck. In the 1970's, Bill and a team from Eagle Picher set a speed record for their electric boat, using batteries manufactured by them. Bill was well respected by his peers and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He married Judith A. Bishop on May 25, 1962 in Joplin. She survives at the home.
Additional survivors include two sons, Chris Long and wife, Melissa, Warsaw, Indiana, Michael Long, Joplin; a sister, Sharon J. Gilmore, California; four grandchildren, Preston Long, Trevor Long, Whitney Kaiser and husband, Gunnar, Collin Parker; and four great grandchildren, Drealynn, Jaycee, Jordan and Kaden.
Services are planned for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Generation Free Will Baptist Church, 2301 S. Connecticut Ave., Joplin. Rev. Randy Bishop will officiate. Interment will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 7-8:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
No comments:
Post a Comment