Forrest W. Long

Forrest W. Long of Gilbert, AZ passed away on May 10, 2023 at the age of 90 years old. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Forrest was born on October 6, 1932 in Yanush, OK to James Edgar and Ethel Marie (Kimmel) Long.

Forrest moved from Oklahoma at a young age to Arizona. Where he met the love of his life, Pauline. They were married nearly 73 years. Forrest and Pauline moved to Colorado and enjoyed the life they created with their three daughters, Pamela, Deborah and Sandra. As the years passed their family grew into five generations.

At a young age, Forrest learned to work hard and took on different jobs to make money. He was an early entrepreneur and later became a very successful business owner in Colorado. Forrest loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed square dancing and water skiing, classic cars and taking trips with Car and RV clubs. He was always up for sharing a good southern meal with others too.

Not only was Forrest a great son and brother. He was a strong patriarch of his family, believed in staying true to your word, being a good friend and he was a man who would be kind to everyone he met. He was a proud husband, father and “Big Papa” who always took care of his family and did the best he could to teach and guide them through life. His advice, kindness, love and wisdom will greatly be missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife Pauline (Childress) Long, parents Edgar and Ethel Marie (Kimmel) Long, his sisters Vivian (Preacher) Rose, Fern (Athel) Hampton, brothers John Long and Norman (Umeko) Long, and his grandson Brian James Lewis.

Forrest is survived by his daughters Pamela (Dave) Lamb, Deborah (Terry) Utzinger, Sandra (Jim) Lewis. Grandchildren Carolyn (Ken) Phillips, Caren Campbell, David (Betsy) Lamb, Michelle (Bill) Schumacher, Justin Eisenach, Jennie (Rod) Renner, Lisa (Scott) Spears, Steven (Aylssa) Lewis. Great-Grandchildren Ashley, Kaden, Aaron, Kyle, Nathan, Maddy (Austin) Ohm, Anna, Kayla, Chelsea, Reece, Becca, Karly, Nick, Nikki, Jett, and Gunner. Great-Great Granddaughter Olive. Sister in law Kathleen Long.

A celebration of life for Forrest will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248. A burial will occur Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248. A celebration of life reception will occur Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Long family.