Joe Long

“A Reflection on a Notable Life” JOE EDDIE LONG On August 29, 1932, Lee and Leota L. Long welcomed their third child into the world: Joe Eddie Long he was born south of Chandler, Oklahoma. Joe departed this life on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the age of 85 years and 18 days. Joe began his formal education at the Red Oak School until 8th grade. He left school in 1950 to work in the cotton fields and later returned and graduated from Douglas School in 1951 in Chandler, Oklahoma along with his sister Maxine Long-Lacy. In 1953, Joe chose to pursue a career in the Army. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, he completed his tour of duty and received an honorable discharge in 1955. Joe was married to Lula Robinson-Long and to that union they were blessed with six children (Wayne, Stanley, Herbert, David, Regina and Calvin. Lula passed away in 1968 and left Joe to raise their children. On July 6, 1981 Joe was united in marriage to Barbara J. Neal and she brought into the marriage her children Sherry, Mitchell, Delma and Pamela. Later Joe and Barbara would add two more additions to the family Shawn and Angelika. Not only did they love and adore their growing family but they decided to become foster parents and have had over 100 children come into their home and Joe and Barbara have been foster parents for over 33 years. At an early age, Joe made the decision to follow Jesus. He served as Layman for over 30 years and he traveled all over the state. Joe was a member of the Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church and was the Steward for most of his life until they closed the church doors in January 2013. He later united with the First Baptist Church, Chandler, Oklahoma, where he was a faithful member until his death. Before Joe worked at Tinker Field, he worked in many fields picking cotton. Joe worked in the pecan bottoms said that the hardest job that he had was hauling hay. Joe was employed with Tinker Air Force Base for 33 years, retiring in August of 1989. Joe was the “Watermelon Man” during the Barefield-Long Family Reunions. You could always hear his nieces and nephews asking did Uncle Joe bring the watermelons? Every day that Joe got up he would always say this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. He always told Barb how much he loved her and what a blessed man he was to have her in his life. Joe and Mr. Barbour Cox spent numerous hours beautifying the streets of Chandler. When the new trees were planted in Tilghman Park they would pack buckets of water to pour on them, to make sure that they would survive. Joe supervised many youth groups during the summer work programs. When Joe would leave for work, he would always say Barb I am going to piddle around for a while to see if I can make a buck or two. Joe loved being outside and taking care of the lawns and flower beds at BancFirst formerly known as Union Bank and First Bank of Chandler. Joe retired this year when his health began to fail. He loved his wife, his children, his family he wanted nothing but the very best for his community. Many times you would find him taking a nap in his truck in the parking lots of the banks and even at the cemetery. He always had time to stop and talk to people as he did his lawn care. Joe knew no strangers. He was probably the one man who could work outside in 100 degree temperatures in a long sleeve shirt and say “oh it’s not hot out here.” Joe was a member of the American Legion, Rotary Club, Lincoln County Historical Society, president of the CIC (Citizens for the Improvement of Chandler) for over 40 years, Chandler Community Club #1, Middle Chamber Lodge #32 and Eastern Star Excelsior Chapter #21. Joe oversaw the care of the Clearview Cemetery for most of his life and the Douglas Gym. When the City Council of Chandler decided to name a street after Barbour Cox, Mr. Cox told them that he did not want a street named after him if Joe did not have one named after him as well. Joe was well known in the community, he was often called “The Mayor” of Chandler even though he never ran for office. On September 16, 2017, the voice of the Lord beckoned Joe Eddie Long to come home. Meeting him at the great celebration are both his parents, Lee and Leota Long: his late wife Lula Robinson, his son Wayne and daughter Sherry, two sisters Marjorine and Deloris, and three brothers, Alonzo, Gene and Johnny. He leaves to celebrate his life a beloved wife of 36 years, Barbara of the home; his seven sons: Stanley (Bernita) of Lompoc, CA; Herbert and David Long of Oklahoma City, OK; Calvin Long of Chandler, OK; Shawn (Chelsea) Long of Noble, OK; Mitchell (Glenda) Naff of Tulsa, OK; Delma (Nancy) Naff of Oklahoma City, OK; four daughters Regina Long of Oklahoma City, OK; Pamela J. Anderson of Chandler, OK, VaRita Parker of Oklahoma City, OK, Angelika Long of Midwest City, OK; four brothers: Adolph (Corilla) Long; Troy (Layola) Long; Elmereece (Bobbie) Long; Rev. Curtiss (Alice) Long; and two sisters: Maxine Lacy and Naomi Long, his sister-in-law Peggy Daniels and brother-in-law Walter Redd, his niece Jackie Holland and three foster children. Grandchildren: Mari Ann (Maurice) White; Wesley (Kelly) Long, Tiffany (Rodger) Godwin; Tiana (Charles) Smith; Natalie Hunter; BarbaraMichelle (Sadarius) Slaughter; George (Torrey) Parker II; Tasha Parker; Rafael Ervin; Ty Long, Jennifer Ware, Christopher Joe Long, Stephanie Long and Sheree Anderson (Fiance’ Eric Franks, Jr.). Great Grandchildren: Maurissa Vigil and Miquell (Robert) Chapman, Jonathan, Elijah and Noah Long, Corde & Jeremiah Godwin, Eden & Carson Smith, Derrian Parker, Keiha Wright, Koreyon Parker, Kaden Phelps, Jada Hicks, Fatai Hicks, Samiah, Edward and Mitchell Slaughter, Ta Corree, Kenadee and Charlee Parker, Teavion Morris, Jamael Reed, Johnathan Parker, Arianna Ware and Elijah Caruthers; Great Great Grandchild: Atlas Rose Vigil, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and the many, many friends. Joe was a born again Christian and he knew without a doubt where he was going – Heaven bound, Heaven-bound! In lieu of flowers please make donations to the CIC (Citizens for the Improvement of Chandler) at BancFirst Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at the First Baptist Church in Chandler, Oklahoma, with Rev. Rick Blackwell, and Rev. Anthony Walker officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, in Chandler. A guest book is available on-line at www.parksbrothers.net.