Burl Long

Burl Long, age 66, of Buckhannon, WV, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 5, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. Mr. Long was born in Upshur County, on April 12, 1944, to the late Joe and Ruth Long of Gaines. Mr. Long is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Liston Long, whom he married on June 11, 1967. Also surviving are three children: Rebecca Walton and husband Mike of Lorentz, SFC Christopher Long and wife Stephanie of Excelsior, and Bethany Long of Volga; four grandchildren: Justin, Catherine, and Hannah Walton, and Madolyn Long. He is also survived by several siblings; Dixon Long and wife Juanita, Thomas Long, Dale Long, John Long and wife Cheryl, and Basil Long, all of Gaines; Donald Long and wife Martha of Arlington; Martha Leuszler and husband Richard of Amherst, Ohio; Barbara Ferren and husband Larry of Shinnston; Rita Watson and husband Carl of Walkersville, and Caroline Long of Buckhannon. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings; Ellen Jean Bennett and Ross Long. After graduating from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1962, Mr. Long enlisted in the US Army, in which he served from 1964-1966 in the First Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, for gallantry in combat operations. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal multiple times for sustaining wounds under direct fire. His other military awards included the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army Good Conduct Medal, First Class Unit Citation, two Vietnam Service Medals, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, ROV Civil Actions Honor Medal, and the ROV Campaign Medal. Mr. Long worked in the Buckhannon Community all of his life, and employers included: Long Brother’s Construction, Liston’s Garage, Breckenridge Corporation, and the City of Buckhannon. He served as Public Works Director and Zoning Officer for the City of Buckhannon and served several terms as Buckhannon City Councilman. He retired from WVWC in 2006 where he was employed as Supervisor of Maintenance. Mr. Long belonged to the Franklin Lodge #7 A.F. and A.M. and served as Master of the Lodge in 1983 and 1984. He was also a member of Upshur Chapter #34 of Royal Arch Masons. Mr. Long was a Methodist by faith and a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Gaines. Burl loved woodworking and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time at his camp and plating and tending to his fruit trees. Although he didn’t live to see all of his trees bear fruit, he achieved his goal of leaving a legacy for future generations. He enjoyed the outdoors and being in the woods, and passed that love of nature to his children, grandchildren, and anyone else who traveled outside with him. He was an intelligent man who loved to tell stories and play practical jokes, and his knowledge of life and sense of humor will be missed by anyone that knew him. Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Monday, March 7, 2011, from 2-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Dr. Joseph Shreve officiating. Interment will follow in the Heavner Cemetery. Masonic graveside rites will be performed by the Franklin Lodge #7 A.F. and A.M. Local members of the Buckhannon VFW Post #3663, the Frank B. Bartlett Post #7 American Legion, and the DAV Chapters #5 and #36 will conduct military honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Relay for Life organization in Burl’s memory.

Burl Long

April 12, 1944 - March 5, 2011