Donald "Doggie" L. Long

Donald L. "Doggie" Long, 81, of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Winchester Terrace Nursing Home after a long illness. Born December 11, 1935, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Fred and Katherine (Ramsey) Long, he was one of four children.

He graduated from Shelby High School in 1953 and married Judith Hout in 1956. Doggie started his lifelong career in the transportation industry in the 1960s. He opened his own business, Clippership Ltd. in 1983 and retired in 2013 after 30 years. Along with spending time with his family and friends, he was an avid sports fan, enjoying all the Cleveland teams and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Doggie was known as an exceptional card player and always enjoyed placing a bet or two, testing his luck. He was an accomplished bowler and spent many summer days fishing on Lake Erie with his friends. Doggie loved to socialize and was a member of several local clubs over the years including the Eagles, Elks, Owls and Sons of Herman.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Judie Long, he is survived by four children, Shelley Reese, Steve (Monika) Long, Kelley Boylan and Kerry (Dave) Dunlap, all of Mansfield; eleven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Doggie is also survived by a brother, Bob Long; two sisters, Shirley (Larry) Salser and Sandy Au; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters-in-law, Bev Long and Jeanne Hout Bailey.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the amazing staff at Winchester Terrace and OhioHealth Hospice.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The memorial service conducted by Pastor Matthew Pond will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to OhioHealth Hospice or the Humane Society of Richland County.