David Gartland Long

David Gartland Long, age 80, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on December 4, 2025. David was born in Marion, Indiana, to Eleanor Long Organ and John (Jay) Long. David is survived by his son, David Long, Jr. and David’s mother Elizabeth G. Long (Liz).

David was the third of nine children to Eleanor and Jay Long. He is predeceased by his parents, older brother John Long, Jr. (Donna), brother in law, Charles Gorey, brother in law John Appel, and younger sister, Cynthia Forgey (Joe). David is survived by siblings, Ann Gorey (Charles), Jane Finch (Harry), Linda Appel (John), Marnie Golden (Neil), Chris Long (Jan) and Karen Holtzclaw (Doug). David is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

Growing up in Marion, David attended and graduated from Bennett High School. David was smart and clever from a young age, had a great sense of humor, and a bit of a rebellious/adventurous streak. His siblings have fond memories of David playing pranks around the house as they grew up in a crowded house in Marion. He would always somehow find the perfect spot to pop out of seemingly nowhere to surprise (or scare) his sisters. After graduating from Bennett, David attended college at Springhill College in Mobile, Alabama. After his college years, David’s sense for adventure took him out west to Phoenix, Arizona.

David loved his years in Phoenix. He spoke very highly of the great friends and memories he had in Phoenix. David met Liz in Phoenix and his son David was born in Phoenix. David eventually settled in Indianapolis, Indiana where he worked for many years in sales at the Indiana Box Company, before he retired.

David was an avid reader and film buff. As a very frugal and practical man, David was a regular at the Glendale and Nora Libraries in Indianapolis. He would bring books to his friends and family and make sure to always let them know he would be “going to the library”. In his older years, David’s biggest passion was fitness and exercise. David worked out 6 days a week and could proudly complete 100 push-ups and sit-ups until the day he passed. David was known as the fun-loving character he was by many of his gym acquaintances.

There is no doubt David enjoyed time to himself. One of his favorite quotes and jokes was the infamous line, “I was social distancing decades before it was a thing.” Despite this clever joke, David loved spending holidays with his family, visiting his son, talking to his son, and visiting Lake Wawasee in the summer.

David or “Davey” as he was commonly referred to by friends, was known for his humor, kindness, and loving heart. David would never pass up a good deal and always shared this with his friends and family. David was quite the story-teller when he was in the mood. Perhaps fittingly, David passed away in the exercise room by a treadmill. David will be missed.

A celebration of life for David will be held on February 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Los Olivos restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, 7328 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Indianapolis Library Foundation.