Richard L. Long

Richard was born in 1925 in Virginia, Minnesota, and grew up in the midst of the Great Depression. His family moved to Pontiac, Michigan where Richard graduated from High School. An only child, he was raised with and close to his many cousins, spending most summers in Hill City, Minnesota surrounded by extended family and friends. From those experiences he learned to love camping, fishing, hiking and all things connected to nature.

Like many of his generation, Richard volunteered to serve our country during World War II. He began his military service December 8, 1943, in the Army Air Corp, working as a tail gunner and gunnery instructor for 4 years. He then used his GI Bill to attend college, graduating from Michigan State with a degree in Forestry in 1951. He married Jacqueline Lester and began their journey with the US Air Force, living in Alaska, Michigan, Illinois, the Philippines, California, Maine and Pakistan. Richard’s final assignment was at Brooks AFB, where he retired in 1970, at the rank of Major, after 24 years of dedicated service.

Following military retirement, Richard obtained a Master’s degree and began a second career— his true vocation, as a middle school and high school science teacher. This was a perfect fit, as Dad loved teaching his children about the natural sciences, observing the stars, and experiencing forests and waterways. He loved a good experiment and encouraged his children, grandchildren and students to be curious and open to the wonders of the world. Known as positive, energetic, quirky and fun-loving, he was greatly appreciated by his colleagues and students. He retired from teaching in the Schertz-Cibolo and East Central ISDs after 18 years of service and collecting hundreds of good stories and memories.

Richard fortunately met and married Judith Miller in 1987. For 33 years they have enjoyed and celebrated their expanded family circle of children, grand and great-grandchildren. They laughed, played and worked together to build a happy life. Judy describes Richard as her loving husband and best friend. Dad was happiest to be in the midst of an energetic family gathering. Upon retirement, Judy and Richard bought and refurbished a lakefront cabin in Hill City, Minnesota, where they spent 18 happy summers away from the South Texas heat. This was a dream come true for Dad, to spend his summers fishing, gardening, visiting and hosting relatives, visitors and friends. He and Judy also enjoyed travelling extensively throughout the country, Europe and on numerous cruises that took them all over the world.

Many describe the soldiers who served in WW II as our greatest generation; those who did things not for fame or fortune but because it was the right thing to do. The hallmark qualities shared by this group of patriots include personal responsibility, integrity, humility, work ethic, financial prudence, and faithful commitment. Dad embodied all of these qualities—he worked hard every day, usually whistling while he worked. He was very loyal, keeping friendships from childhood up until the day he died. He was honest and dependable and treated people fairly. Dad could be counted on to do the right thing, and he loved life and found joy in everyday tasks and experiences. Living these principles, he provided all of his children a good example. Richard lived a healthy, active and vibrant life, up until his last few weeks. At 95 years of age, it still feels he was taken too soon. We are very grateful that he was loved by so many, and that he embraced all that life had to offer. We will miss his laughter and sense of humor, his good and practical advice, his positive and joyous spirit and the twinkle in his blue eyes.

Richard is survived by his wife Judith A. Long, four children John (Veronica) Long, Mark (Gerlyn) Long, Jill Mata (Roland) and Nancy (Gerry) Fleming; step children, Scott (Brigitte) Miller and Michelle (Jim) Copeland: thirteen grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held for Richard at Fort Sam Houston Pavilion on Monday, February, 22, 2021 at 2PM with family only in attendance. Due to the pandemic the service will be limited to family, however will be available virtually using the link below.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.