John William Long, Jr.
April 8, 1941 — October 28, 2016
Well, I made the paper, although this page would not have been my first choice. Anyway, I had a good run that ended on October 28, 2016. Donna and my girls were there with me and it was peaceful and reassuring.
I was born on April 8, 1941 in Marion, Indiana, the oldest of nine children, to John William and Eleanor Ann Long. Ever an overachiever, I met the love of my life, Donna Meloy, in 1963. She put up with me for the last 52 years. We are blessed with 4 daughters that I am thankful for and so very proud of: Colleen (Daniel) O’Brien, Jane DeHaven, Maureen (Michael) Catalogna, and Anne Marie Long; and five grandchildren, Lizzy DeHaven, Kati and Chris Catalogna, and Kelly and Jimmy O’Brien .
I’ve been told I had a keen entrepreneurial spirit. In 1979 I founded Indiana Corrugated. I was proud that in 2006 the success of the company caused a forced expansion and move to the Bell Fibre building in Marion. I sold the company in 2014 and retired.
Golf was a passion of mine. My short game saved me on more than one occasion. I was fortunate enough to win the Grant County Senior and the Meshingomesia Club Championship.
I always had a vested interest in watching sports, especially college basketball. The NCAA tournament was my favorite. As a lifelong Cub fan, I take great satisfaction from this year’s team. I like a spirited debate. Being an avid reader, Chronicle and Wall Street Journal, I could argue either or both sides with ease as I held court after work.
Beyond my tough exterior is my unwavering devotion to Donna, my Girls and my grandchildren.
The heavenly gates were propped open for me by my parents, John and Eleanor, sister, Cynthia Forgey, son-in-law, Jack DeHaven, and niece, Alison Meloy.
Please visit with my family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (prior to the Cubs game), on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana with Father Dan Gartland officiating. Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cancer Services of Grant County, 305 S. Norton Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46952; St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana 46952; or to a charity of your choice.
Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your lives and you a part of mine.