Delmar Long

Delmar Long, 84, of Alma, Arkansas, surrounded by love, went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2026. He was born April 5, 1941, in Enid, Oklahoma to the late Oscar “Bud” and Margene (Smith) Long. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Dennis Long.

Delmar is survived by his devoted life partner, Jan Enke of the home; his children, Mardel Long and Dan Ollie, Bryan and Dina Long, Michelle Jones and Mike Shropshire, and Shannon and Brad Haywood; his bonus daughter, Jeri and John Partlow; and his sister-in-law, Ramonda Long. He was a proud grandfather to Sagely, Quinn and Brayden Long, Kianna and Rylee Long, Kayley, Cole and Cade Haywood, and Keith and Alex Partlow.

Following an honorable legacy of military service, Delmar served in the United States Army and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 467. He believed deeply in honoring those who served and lived that belief through action – using his artistic talents to support fellow veterans, overseeing the “Shop with a Vet” program, and donating hundreds of his cherished “Never Forget a Veteran” shirts as a visible reminder of gratitude and respect.

He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Alma. His faith was the foundation of who he was. As a Christian, he lived his beliefs daily, not just in words but through actions. Delmar was blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit and founded multiple businesses over his lifetime including Del Mar Signs and National Screen Print.

He found great joy in fishing. Whether on the water until sunset or sharing stories about “the one that got away” those moments reflected who he was – calm, thoughtful, and content with life’s simple blessings. He lived his passion through art and craftsmanship, building and painting benches and birdhouses and tinkering with old cars, finding fulfillment in the work itself, “not the completion”.

Above all else, Delmar was a gentle and kind soul. He helped others without expecting recognition, gave generously of his time, and made people feel valued. His love for his family was steady and unconditional, and his presence will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, kindness, and love that will live on through those he leaves.

Funeral service to honor Delmar’s life will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Brayden, JT, Marcus, and Kendall Long, and Keith and Alex Partlow.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alma Outreach Center, PO Box 1104, Alma, AR. 72921 or First Presbyterian Church of Alma, PO Box 397, Alma, AR, 72921.