Born September 16, 1937, Howard was raised in Pineville, a rural town in far southwestern Missouri, where the rhythms of a country boy’s life shaped him—days spent fishing, shooting guns, swimming in the nearby river, and exploring the surrounding hills. At age 7, tragedy struck when a tornado destroyed the family home and took the life of his mother, Alberta Long. Among Howard’s most cherished memories was the steady comfort of evenings when she gathered the children around the table to read the Bible.
Drafted into the U.S. Army, Howard served from 1960 to 1963 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, where he worked as a fireman and attained the rank of E-4. He carried that chapter with quiet pride, including the unforgettable winter of 1961–62 when temperatures plunged to -72°F—an experience he commemorated as a card-carrying member of the -72° Club, often wearing his -72° lapel pin as a simple, enduring reminder.
Howard married Betty Marie Croney Cooper on May 15, 1965, in Junction City, Kansas, in a ceremony officiated by his brother, Floyd Long. They met at Cessna, where both worked at the time. Howard passed one day shy of what would have been their 61st wedding anniversary.
In Wichita, Howard built a steady and respected career, retiring in 1995 from the Veteran’s Administration following years of service as a budget analyst.
Throughout his life, Howard found contentment in the pleasures that never went out of season: fishing, camping, boating, gardening, traveling, reading, and watching football and golf on television.
Howard is survived by his wife, Betty Long; step daughters Sondra Wilson (Randy Wilson) and Cheryl Gumm; his brother, Wendell Long; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alberta Long; his father, Otis Long; his sisters Juanita Long Holler, Cleo Long Jones Robinson, Peggy Long, and Margory Ruth Long Rogge; and his brothers James Long, Floyd Long, and Roy Long.
Visitation will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, on May 22, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.
The Funeral Service will follow at Resthaven Mortuary on May 22, 2026, at 10:00 am.
A Committal Service will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, on May 22, 2026.
