Obituaries » William Joseph Long
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William Joseph Long
February 16, 1952 - August 5, 2024
- A private funeral mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
- A private interment was held at Calvary Cemetery, De Soto, MO.
William Joseph Long died at home after a long battle from Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonisms.
Bill was born to James B. and Zelma (Zufall) Long on February 16, 1952 in De Soto, MO at his Grandma Zufall’s home in the big bed and delivered by Dr. McKinistry. He refused to talk till almost age four due to older siblings James Paul Long and Linda Long Davis talking for him. Younger siblings arriving after Bill were: Angela Long Rosener (Rick), Martin Long Sr. (Virginia), Christine Long Hubbard and Laura Long Friedman.
After graduating from Festus High School in 1971, Bill worked briefly at Chrysler Truck Assembly Plant in Fenton, MO. From there he began working toward his Journeyman Lineman Ticket and ending in retirement from Ameren Electric Company at Lake of the Ozarks.
Bill met Karen Sparks while working part time at his Dad’s gas station-Long’s Mobil. They married in 1974 and shared two daughters, Nicolle Long Ragsdale (Chad) and Erica Long Adkins (Baron). Eventually, grandchildren added to this family unit: Nicholas Cashman, Lucas Cashman, William Cashman, Asher Adkins, Lauren Adkins, Evan Ragsdale, and Kendall Ragsdale.
Bill always held a deep fondness for the outdoors. From 1982 on he always lived near Lake of the Ozarks and was also an avid bird hunter. He loved crappie fishing, earning him the nickname, Crappie King. Bill’s biggest regret upon receiving this diagnosis was knowing he would not be able to continue developing his budding line of Crappie Prince and Princesses.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Zelma and older brother, Jimmie Paul.
Bill always wanted to help, had a heart of gold, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or Lake Ozark Area Parkinson’s Support Group, Care of Patsy Dalton, 1311 Vintage Dr., Columbia, MO 65203.
