Sam Long
January 01, 2014
Sam J. Long, 82, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at Westview of Indianola Care Center after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, January 6, 2014, at Wakonda Christian Church, 3938 Fleur Drive. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.
Sam was born October 23, 1931, in Centerville, Iowa, to Joseph and Mary Long. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1949 where he was an All-State basketball player and a member of the State Championship team. He earned his B.A. and M.A. at Iowa State University where he was All-Big.
7 in basketball and All-District in baseball, both in 1953.
Sam’s career in education spanned 38 years with 15 years as teacher/basketball coach at Grafton, Sac City, Webster City, and Des Moines Lincoln. Twenty-three years were in the role as administrator: as Vice-Principal, Principal, Director of Athletics, and Director of Central Campus at Des Moines Public Schools.
Sam was a United States Air Force veteran. He was a member of Wakonda Christian Church and Iowa High School Basketball Association.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Doris; sons, Mark (Beth) Long and Doug (Tammy) Long; daughter-in-law, Ann Long; brother, Tom (Ann) Long; sister-in-law, Dorothy Long; five grandchildren, Keaton (Scott) Pulver, Kelsey (Danny) Krow, Kelli (James) Miller, Morgan Long, and Alli Long; and three great-grandchildren, Stella, Madden, and Abbott. Sam was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Long; and his son, Mike Long.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Wakonda Christian Church or the High School Hall of Pride.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Don Kingfield
05/25/2023
I still think of Sam regularly (at 81 years old). I look forward to seeing him on the other side.
Dick Mooney
01/06/2014
Sam was a wonderful leader and role model for young men. He was more than a coach to all of us who had the privilege of playing for him. That was true until his final passing. That is the ultimate respect you can pay a teacher, coach, or anyone else dealing with young people. Many of us had a multitude of coaches in various sports but Sam was always THE COACH in our lives. He never yelled at us or embarrassed us in any way except when we got too cocky. Then he would gather a group of youngsters who didn't play much and absolutely destroy us single handedly with his amazing overall athletic skills. Our shared purpose as a team was to never disappoint him. We didn't always achieve that goal, but he led us to many more victories than defeats. As he struggled with his health in recent years, it was always a rewarding experience to visit him and share so many memories.
Larry Arndt
01/06/2014
I was deeply saddened when I heard of Sammy's passing. But to some degree happy for Sam
as he is now pain free.
Sam was my basketball coach at Sac Community High School from1957 to 1961. I'll always remember those four years of learning from Sam, about sports, life and teamwork. He had the courage and confidence in me to play me on the varsity as a freshman which had seldom if ever been done before. He was my favorite coach . He was truly a great, strong and gentle man. , Doris and family, please accept my deepest condolences..My thoughts and prayers are with you. As my brother Bill said, thanks for sharing Sam with us. I shall never forget him.God bless.
Larry
Julie and Joe Woods
01/06/2014
Mark and Beth, and family. We're so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jody Kile (Wall)
01/06/2014
Dear family, I am very sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I am blessed to have known your family and Sam years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My deepest sympathy.
Rocky and Eric
01/05/2014
Doug, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your father appears to have been a wonderful man that touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Chelon Lee (Long) Perez-Benitoa
01/05/2014
Dear family,
It is with heavy heart that I am sure we all feel as we send our messages of love. When I think of Uncle Samso many wonderful memories fill my mind, many of them have been given to me through all of you. His voice will always be heard in my mind and will always put a smile on my face. His love for his family is something I continue to admire and respect and practice. Doris, Thank you for being such a terrific wife and friend to Sam as well as being a wonderful mother, Mark and Doug you have continued to be wonderful sons and fathers, who I know Sam was and is so very proud! Kelli, Keaton, Kelsey, Morgan, and Alli.. You all were the sunlight in your grandfather's eyes and continued to fill him with laughter and love and I thank you for that!
Dad(Tommy Leroy) you were there for him always and he knew it and I am sure Uncle Sam was grateful for your love and your ornery but respectful attitude. My love goes out to all of you at this time and to Uncle SamI will always be thankful for your presence in my life and will continue to see and hear you in my mind! Uncle Sam.please take care of those (too many to name) who are with you at this time.
My love to all of you,
Chelon
John Cretzmeyer
01/05/2014
Mark -
Very sorry to see the news that your father has passed. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. It's been too many years since we last touched base. I had to do a double take realizing your girls are married! My thoughts are with you.
Craig Hall
01/05/2014
My condolences and prayers to the Longs.
Rest in peace Mr.Long.
Steve Gibson
01/05/2014
Sam was coach at Sac Community High School while I was in school there. He was a great guy. One of the best and a wonderful role model. May he rest in peace.
Chuck Van Hecke
01/05/2014
As a new Athletic Director I had the great opportunity to meet Sam Long at our State Meeting, he became a great mentor and friend.
I have always been thankful for all he did for me in my career.
My prayers are with you all.
Gary & Shirley Keoppel and family
01/05/2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you cherish the great memories you shared and keep them close in your heart.
Ward Phillips
01/05/2014
It was an honor getting to know Sam and his wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Doreen Mauch
01/05/2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Sam, my heart goes out to the Long family. I was lucky to able to get to know Sam over the years . One of the most kind, caring and gentle person I knew.I so enjoyed cutting Sam's hair all these years and listening to him talk about his family. He is truly going to be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeanette Fleming
01/05/2014
I was so sad to get the message from Doug about his Dad. I am Doug's assistant at his office in Minneapolis, and while I never met Sam in person, I had the chance to talk with Sam sometimes when he called Doug at work but I picked up the call if Doug was in a meeting or on his other line. Even from those few chats, I could tell he was the salt of the earth, kind and honorable. And that inimitable voice, right? It is a fine legacy he leaves, having bestowed all the best of being family man, educator, athlete and community leader on all who knew him. My condolences to Mrs. Long and the whole Long family and to the Des Moines community.