Ronald D. Long
May 17, 2013
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Service Details
Ronald Dean Long, 81, died unexpectedly Friday, May 17, 2013, in Norwalk, Iowa. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Peace Lutheran Church, 5615 SW 14th Street in Des Moines, with burial at the Norwalk cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 20, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home in Des Moines.
Ron was born February 3, 1932, in Arispe, Iowa, to Elton E. (Jack) Long and Golda Jackson Long. He graduated from Arispe High School in 1950 and attended Tarkio College in Missouri before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in January, 1952. He was commissioned and earned his pilot wings May, 1953. He married Carol Ann Immel of Adair, Iowa on December 19, 1953.
He retired from the Iowa Air National Guard in 1987 as a Colonel after spending 35 years in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and the Air Guard. He attended various military schools including Nuclear Safety School, Air Force Safety School, Squadron Officers School, Air University Command and Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Among some of the positions he held were Instructor Pilot, Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, and Director of Wing Safety. He was a Command Pilot with 6800 hours of military flying in 16 different aircraft including: T-6, T-28, T-33, F-80, F-86, F-102, F-89, F-84, F-100c, F-100d, F-100f, A-7D, L20, C-47, C-54, and C-131.
He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Silver Squadron, the Air Force Association, and the Cumming American Legion. He enjoyed flying, hunting, fishing, golf, travel, attending kids’ and grandkids’ activities, and woodworking. He was an avid Iowa State fan and also a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.
Ron is survived by his wife, Carol Immel Long; daughters Terri Pitcher of Windsor Heights, and Sheryl Dailey (Glenn) of Bloomindale, IL. He’s also survived by grandchildren Katherine Ball (West Des Moines), Tyler Dailey (Chicago, IL), Michael Ball (Los Angeles, CA), and Cody Dailey (Iowa City). He was preceded in death by his parents Elton (Jack) Long and Golda Jackson Long, and half-sister Doris Nicholson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the Puppy Jake Foundation which helps to train service dogs for returning veterans.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Linda Aufdembrink Trotter
05/21/2013
Dear Terri, Sherri and Carol,
Words cannot express the love I have for all of you. There are so many memories, life-long, good family times spent together. We've lost a loyal patriot, caring father, a rock steady spouse and a big-bear of love. May God hold you gently in the palm of his hand in the days ahead.
Roberta M Nelson
05/19/2013
I retired from the ANG as a Civil Service Person. Ron's office was next to my area. I enjoyed talking with him. My prayers and sympathy are with the family at this sad time
Roberta (Bobbie) Nelson.
K.L. Hutcheson CMSGT, USAF,Ret
05/19/2013
Dear Carol and family,
Please know that my thoughts are with you all as you celebrate Ron's life and the many contributions that he made while he was with us during this brief post on this earth. I never worked directly with Ron but alongside of him for many years at the Iowa Air National Guard. Without fanfare he executed his orders and his many responsibilities as a flying officer and leader. His decisions and leadership were relied on and trusted, no one can ask more of one than he gave his state, and his nation. Ron has new orders and new and old acquaintances to work with now as he embarks on yet another portion of a commitment that is eternal for any patriot such as he. May our Heavenly Father wrap His arms tightly around you all as you adjust to serve a bit longer without Ron's steady hand to hold to for now. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sandy Main
05/19/2013
Carol, Terri and Sherri - I am so sorry. Ronnie might have been my cousin, but he was also my "big brother" in so many ways. I'll always remember those visits he made to Jack and I while we were stationed at Luke AFB in Phoenix and he would fly down to pick up a "retired AF bird" to be flown back to Des Moines for the Guard's use. Made quite a "ruckus" at first with our fellow enlisted neighbors having a full bird Colonel spending the night in our apartment! He was truly a wonderful, caring man and a great role model. We will miss him dearly.
Bob Walton
05/18/2013
Carol and family:
My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family, I am very sorry to hear of Ron's passing on Friday. I have always enjoyed seeing both of you in Church when I have the chance to be at home. I also enjoyed hearing the stories and experiences Ron told from his flying days with the Air Force. A truly wonderful man who will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In this time of great loss, I pray for the good Lord to be with you and your family, Christ's loving care, comfort, and healing will most certainly carry you through this most trying and difficult time of loss and sorrow. Bob Walton, Des Moines, Iowa.
Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
David Sanderson III
05/18/2013
Carol, Terri, and Cheryl,
My condolances to you and your extended family. Ron and I flew together from 1965 at Perrin AFB to the 1980's. He was a fine person as he was a good aviator. We had many flying adventuers together and many great memories. We will all miss him.
Davey Sanderson
Waco, Texas