Richard attended Westport High School, where he was a skilled musician. He played the clarinet and was honored by being chosen for the All City Band three years in a row. His family long enjoyed listening to him play for them at home.
Richard was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of the U.S. Navy. He served two terms aboard the destroyer the USS Mahan. Later in life Mr. Long enjoyed reuniting with two very special men he served with, Neil Mortensen, of Ridgefield, Wa., and William Morrison, of Shirley, Mass. Mr. Long resided in the heart of the country between these two special mates.
Richard met his wife, Victoria Sizemore in 1972, and married her in 1974. They had one beloved son, Matthew. He enjoyed celebrating his Irish heritage, and was a former member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Kansas City. He was a dedicated working man, a former member of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers, and was a mechanic member of Local 27.
Richard is preceded in death by his loving mother, Patricia Stowers Long, and his beloved brother, Samuel F. Long, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Victoria, son Matthew Payton Long, his wife Kate Corwin, and their newborn son, Payton James Long. He is also survived by his father Samuel F. Long, Sr., of Houston, Texas and sisters; Alison Taylor, Kim Shea and Valerie Willis.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 30, 2018 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.
