©
Ford Funeral Service
305 S. Sooner Rd.
Midwest City, OK 73110
(permission granted)
J.W. Long
March 29, 1924 - March 10, 2017
J W Long went to his heavenly home on March 10, 2017. His 92 years of life began on March 29, 1924, when he was born to John Wesley and Minnie Mae Long in Shady Point, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood in southwest Arkansas where his father worked on the railroad before relocating to southeast Oklahoma where the family farmed. His childhood was not easy but one that J W looked back on with great fondness. Times were tough but they instilled in him a work ethic, a devotion to his family, and an awareness of the many blessings God provides. His greatest role model, mentor, and the man he respected most he called "Daddy."
In July 1942, J W enlisted in the Navy, which carried him into WWII. He served as a motor machinist on attack transport ship, USS Doyen, in the Pacific. The ship was in eight major battles and was awarded six battle stars. After WWII, he was discharged from the Navy. He returned to Oklahoma and on January 29, 1947, he married the love of his life, Florene Allensworth. Their first child, Jerry Wayne, was born in March 1949. Searching for better opportunities, J W and Florene relocated to Midwest City in 1950, where he joined the workforce at Tinker Air Force Base. They still live in the home they purchased. Their second child, Susan Annette, was born in April 1956. The family grew in March 1960 with the addition of their third child, Bruce Arnold, and in December 1963, the family was complete with their fourth child, Thomas Lee. All four children graduated from Midwest City High School- an accomplishment that made J W very proud.The Long household was always full of love and activity. Frequent trips were made to southeastern Oklahoma to visit family and family was often found in Midwest City for holidays and special occasions. The small house was never too small for family and friends. J W's philosophy was there was always room for more. All were welcome in his home.As a charter member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, J W raised his family with the same values and ethics modeled by his father. Faith was the most important one. J W loyally tithed and attended church. He was present the Sunday before he passed away. In 1980, J W retired from Tinker Air Force Base and that same year he took a role that brought him a great deal of pride. He was "PapPaw" to six grandchildren who admire him tremendously. Retirement allowed J W more time to spend with his family and partake in the activities that brought him joy. Always active, he was often found in the garage, at the baseball field, or in southeast Oklahoma where he was raised. He loved clocks, the railroad, reading, baseball, and country music. He and Florene enjoyed traveling. J W loved his time outdoors - walking, tending to the garden, or simply sitting on the porch swing. In every situation and every relationship, J W was known as someone you could count on. He was a man of integrity and a man of his word. He gave without expectation, lived without judgement, and led by example. He was respected by all because he respected all. His legacy will last for many generations to come. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, and youngest son. He is survived by the following: Wife - Florene Long; Children - Jerry Long (Becky), Susan Long, and Bruce Long (Linda); Grandchildren - Jill Long, Jason Long (Lily), Chrisanna Hooten (Addam), Heath Long (Lindsey), Ashley Long, and Derrick Long (Emily); and Great-grandchildren - Kallan Long and Everlee Hooten. In addition, the family would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Jennifer Butterfield for her patience and love in caring for J W and Florene the past several years. A family visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 6-8 pm in the Ford Funeral Home Chapel, 305 S Sooner Road, Midwest City, OK, 73110. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 15, at 11 am at Eastlake Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 700 SW 134th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73170. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Midwest City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of J W to the Eastlake Cumberland Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Fund, 700 SW 134th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73170, or to Veterans Corner, PO Box 722160, Norman, OK, 73070.
|
