Mr. Ross Howard Longeway

Ross was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on October 10, 1926. He graduated from Amon Carter High School in Ft. Worth, where he was a standout football player. At 17 years old he joined the Navy in the middle of World War II and was part of the armada preparing for the invasion of Japan. He began attending Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth in his 40s, pursuing a degree in physics.

Ross met Betty Jo Longeway in Ft. Worth, and they were married for over 75 years. They lived in several areas around Ft. Worth, settling in Haltom City with their 2 children. Later they moved to a farm in Newark, where Ross built their home with his own hands.

Ross worked for Southwestern Bell telephone for more than 30 years and retired in 1987, accomplishing the rare feat of drawing retirement benefits for longer than he worked there! He took full advantage of his retirement, spending summers with his grandsons and tending to his acreage in Newark. He also began making stained glass artwork and was recognized locally as a self-taught artist.

Ross was an active and faithful member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Haltom City. In addition to stained glass, he had a passion for fixing and building things. As children, his grandsons thought the H in his name stood for Hercules, as Ross could do anything.

Ross leaves behind his wife Betty Jo of North Richland Hills, a daughter who lives in Austin, grandsons Joe (Kirsten) Matetich of Austin, Cash (Lara) Matetich of Killingworth, Connecticut, 6 great-grandchildren, and beloved dog Molly. He was preceded in death by his son David Longeway.

Ross had a gift for making everyone he met feel welcome and comfortable. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, strength, and that he would do anything for his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in Ross’ honor to some of his favorite organizations: Doctors without Borders, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Haltom City.

A graveside service for Ross will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, TX 76034.

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