Gary Long
September 12, 1954 ~ September 11, 2023
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Gary Long, 68, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, succumbed to cancer after a valiant 2-year battle on September 11, 2023. Born on September 12, 1954, in Newton, Kansas, to the late William Long and Deloris Rice, Gary lived a fulfilling and accomplished 68 years of life. His life was a testament to his analytical, handy, and wise nature, which he demonstrated in all his roles-be it as a loving family man, an accomplished engineer, or an outdoor enthusiast.Gary received his education from Kansas State University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. This prepared him for a successful career as a pilot and engineer. Apart from his professional achievements, Gary was a dedicated family man. He was a loving husband to Shauna Long and a proud father to his sons, Austin and Kyle. His family expanded to include his cherished daughters-in-law, Kassie and Rachel. Gary's love for his family knew no bounds, and this love multiplied with the arrival of his four grandchildren, Luke, Samantha, Margaret, and Joseph. His eyes would light up at the mention of his grandchildren, and he took great joy in their energetic and sometimes rambunctious presence.Gary had a deep love for the outdoors, which he shared with his family and close friends. He especially enjoyed traveling with his wife, Shauna, to the Rocky Mountains and abroad. He enjoyed lake trips, golfing, hunting, and spending time at the “farm” with his family. His handy nature made him the go-to person for any repairs or fixes. He was a mentor to many, especially to his sons, and was always ready to share his knowledge and experiences. Gary was the first person his sons called when they encountered a problem or needed advice.In his passing, Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and a life well-lived. His family and friends will remember him as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, brother, uncle and a wise friend. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Long and Deloris Rice and survived by his wife of 36 years, Shauna Long; sons, Austin (Kassie) Long and Kyle (Rachel) Long; grandchildren, Luke, Samantha, Margaret, and Joseph; siblings, JoAnn Thaden, Betty (Park) Norris, John (Nancy) Long and many nieces and nephews.A rosary will be said on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm and the funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 10:00 am. Both the rosary and funeral will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 645 N 119th St W, Wichita, KS. A luncheon reception will take place immediately following the burial service.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Victory in the Valley, 3755 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67218 or Harry Hynes Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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We so appreciate Gary’s for family and friends, including us and our children. Kate, Sean, and Sarah still treasure the rides in the gator/four wheeler around the property and other fun things they did with Gary. We loved his easy going disposition, approachability, kindness, and his bright face taking about the grandkids. He was so good at many hobbies. He used his talents for sure! We also enjoyed hearing about the projects he had brewing with Austin and/or Kyle—building something, handy projects, golf, hunting and more. His legacy is seen in Austin and Kyle as they have much of Gary’s work ethic, wisdom, and goodness. We will miss him dearly. Love and prayers the entire Long family!
I worked with Gary in Flight for years and he was a Boss on the 1900 ACFT. We ate a lot of lunches together and went to the outside gun range as one of our hobbies. Gary was very intelligent and it was fun listing to him. He was humble and funny and always listened to you. You only meet a person like this once in your life. Always willing to help anyone. I liked his whit, and honesty. He had Faith in God and we will meet again….Bennett Grate
Dear Shauna, I am so sorry to hear the passing of your husband. Even though I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting him I do remember you speaking so fondly about him! May prayers lift you and your family up during this difficult time.🙏🏻
So sad to hear of Gary’s passing. Knew him from the 1980s at Cessna Pawnee Engineering building when a bunch of us were hired about the same time. He usually had a smile on his face and I can still hear his laugh. One of the good guys who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you navigate your “new normal”. May memories bring you comfort, peace and the blessings that he was part of your lives.
– Kathy (O’Bleness) Jenkins
Aphrodite and I are heartbroken and wish you all peace in knowing that Jesus has welcomed him home; his earthly body was but a vessel and it is that which we selfishly will miss. When I first moved into the neghborhood, I learned that the first 4 houses on Hickory were all engineers, and Gary was a good one! We had great conversations about aircraft and the companies for which we worked. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his son Austin was a great engineer when he worked with us at ACES. Gary will be sorely missed.
Gary was a great man to work with at Beech and was always willing to help to solve a problem. He treated people with respect and enjoyed aviation so much. Rest In Peace and God Bless.
Shauna and family – you are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. We love you all.
My thoughts and prayers to Shauna and their sons and extended family. I will pray for peace and comfort for you all.
Shauna and family …you are in my prayers as I have learned of Gary’s passing into Paradise. He is in God’s heavenly arms.
May your happy memories lift you in difficult times always knowing “we shall meet again”.
Jane Owens.