Sam Long
January 01, 2014
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
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
Mrs. Khan
01/05/2014
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Long Family. No doubt the loss of such a dear loved one will be felt by many. May you take comfort in the fact that sickness and death will soon be things of the past. The Bible promises that Jehovah God "...will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore..." (Revelation 21:4)
David Mackaman
01/05/2014
I am a friend of Mark Long. I never had the chance to meet Sam, but I can tell what a wonderful person he was. He clearly made a huge positive difference for so many people, particularly young people. So sorry for your loss.
Tom Long
01/05/2014
From: Brother #3 to Brother #2
The passing of my brother,
Sammy Joe, is a very sad and difficult time for me. Sammy Joe was my brother, friend, and my mentor. I will miss his friendly smile and his directness. I will miss those days on the course and trying to beat him in the worst way but with little success. He now will be playing with his father, Joseph, his son Mike and his brother Jerry Lee. Now that is a tough foursome and playing in no pain. I will miss you
Sammy Joe.
One word to the family. Your mother and your father are and will always be two people in love by which you may and can model your lives.
Pauline Moench
01/04/2014
Sam was principal at Franklin Junior High when I was there 1973-75. I got to know him as I worked in the office. What a great guy. Many Franklin alumnus will remember him with great fondness. Very sad for your loss.
Bill Arndt
01/04/2014
It was a sad day for me when I found out that Sammy has passed on. He was the best coach I have ever had. He had so much patience for an athlete with limited ability. He never got mad at us, he taught us about sports, life, and how to play as a team. My memories of him will always have a special place in my mind and heart. To you, Doris, and your family, I give my condolences. Thank you for sharing Sammy with us. Because of him, I became a better person, and I will really miss him. Bill.
Liz and Bob Schultz
01/04/2014
Our deepest sympathy to you, Doris, and to your family.
Mick Welch
01/04/2014
Sam was probably the best athlete I ever knew. As a coach he did more for me than a smart alecky kid could have expected or hoped for. Thank you, MISTER LONG.
Mark Wm Smith
01/04/2014
On behalf of all your kids at Franklin Jr. High, thank you for your guiding hand and kindness. You will forever be a part of each and every one of us, Mr. Long.
Jon Croft
01/04/2014
I was in a history class that Mr. Long taught in 1971 at Lincoln. He was one of my favorite teachers. He also helped me in 1979 when I was producing sports programming for WHO-Radio. Very special and generous man.
Don Kingfield
01/04/2014
The positive thoughts washing over us overwhelm as we remember Sam, who just by standing near him made all of us better persons. A better teacher of sports and life I have not known.
Jerry Ferrell
01/04/2014
I taught at Central Academy when Sam was the Director. I always had a good relationship with Sam and I know he will be missed. The family has my deepest and heartfelt condolences for his passing. You can be bolstered by the memories.
Patty Bloomcamp
01/04/2014
I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to all the family. I feel so blessed to have had Sam as the leader of our Physical Education and Athletic Department. I have so many fond memories of this kind and gentle man.
Amy Lou Long
01/03/2014
Dear Family,
I am very sad to know that Sam is no longer with us here on earth, but I know his spirit will always be around us, and his life will forever be remembered thru his wife, children, grandchildren, brother, and all who knew him. I will always remember those gorgeous blue eyes, and wonderful smile. I feel your sadness and pain with his loss, and know how hard it is to lose someone so loved. Please know you are all in my heart and thoughts and prayers as we honor Sam's life, and know he is once again free from pain and discomfort. I truly believe that Jerry & Mike are looking out for him. My deepest heart-felt condolences, and All My Love to you all.
Amy Lou Long