Larrel Rodney Long

Rod graduated from Great Bend High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam, first as a medic in Athens, Greece, then with Armed Forces Radio. He and Valerie later settled in Redding, where Rod joined KQMS as DJ, sharing his wit, warmth, and love of music. In 1985, he began a 28-year career as a stockbroker with A.G. Edwards and Stifel.

Rod made life better for everyone around him. Each day was his own optimistic adventure. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere and always left them smiling. He was deeply patriotic, a history buff, avid reader, music aficionado, pun maker and joke teller, and lover of nature, pickleball, poker, and walking his dogs. He had many best friends and a never-ending curiosity about people and life.

Rod shared 55 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Valerie Gwen Long. Together they raised two children, Cameron and Courtney (Adam), and became the proud grandparents of Jericho, Rook, Hayden, Luca, Enzo, and Pepper. He treasured his brother Tommie (Nancy), along with a wide extended family of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends — including his Class of 1967. Rod was part of a tight-knit circle of best buddies and “men’s club” friends who shared countless laughs and adventures together.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents Harvey Long and Mabel Frisbie and his sister, Gretchen. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 2nd at 2 pm at Sheraton at Turtle Bay. The family wishes to thank their community for all the love and support.