Ralph E. Long
1925 - 2000
FRANKLIN

Ralph Edward Long, 75, of Franklin, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2000, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was born Feb 17, 1925, in Morgan County, the son of Javan Julius and Jennie E. Preston Long.

He is survived by two sons, Lawrence Joseph (wife, Nancy) of Franklin and Terry Wayne (wife, Edith) of Chatham; two daughters, Carol Ann (husband, Larry Dale) Coats of Jacksonville and Sharon Lea Johnek of Winthrop Harbor; one former daughter-in-law, Marie Long of Franklin, with whom he made his home for awhile; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Harvey of Jacksonville and Roy of Waverly; and two sisters, Myrtle Henderson of Shelbina, Mo., and Marjorie White of Franklin. He was preceded in death by one brother, Julius "Bud" Long; and four sisters, Bonnie, Betty, Mary and Martha.

Mr. Long was a bus driver and mechanic for School District No. 1 for more than 20 years. He was instrumental in initiating the use of citizen band radios for the buses. Because of his interest in CBs, he was a member of a CB club in Jacksonville for some time. He worked as a welder for awhile, farmed and worked at land tiling for several years. He also worked for Stone brothers Implement in Waverly at one time. He was a member of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was a member of the Franklin Village Board for several years. He helped with the Fourth of July fireworks display for many years. He enjoyed camping and was a member of Good Sam Camping Club.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Neece Funeral Home in Waverly, with burial at Youngblood Cemetery in Nortonville. The family will meet friends 2:30-5:30 pm. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department.