Richard A. Long

Richard A. Long, 91, of Elkhart, passed away Friday morning, April 19, 2019 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa.

Richard was born May 12, 1927 in Geneva, IL to the late Ray A. and Mathilda (Moore) Long.

On May 23, 1954 in Jimtown, he married the former Norma G. Epley.  Norma died December 18, 2000.  Also preceding him in death was his brother, Donald Long, his step-father L. Carle Leavitt and several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie K. Long of Goshen; a sister, Barbara H. Long Keller of Conrad, MT; nieces Jessica Keller and Carla Keller, both of Great Falls, MT and Pamela Keller of Conrad, MT.  Also surviving are several cousins.

Richard moved to Conrad, MT in July of 1937 where he attended Little School, Pioneer School, Valier School as wells as Conrad Schools.  He served in the United States Army during WWII and the Korean War.

Richard was self employed as the owner and operator of the Professional Dental Laboratory (PDL) in Elkhart.  He later sold PDL and retired after a 50-year career as a dental technician.  He was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons (F & A M), Tyrian Lodge 718, Scottish Rite Chapter in South Bend.  He was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge 214 in Great Falls, MT, VFW 7655 in Conrad, MT and the Moose Lodge 599 in Elkhart.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed flying his own airplane, photography, making jewelry, cutting and polishing stones, fishing, visiting Montana and wintering in Arizona.

The family will host a Celebration of Life for Richard on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Brentwood at Elkhart Senior Living 3600 E. Bristol St. Elkhart, IN.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be given to the charity of one’s choice.

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