Joel D. Long

Joel D. Long, 65, of Connersville, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer. Joel was born to Robert and Betty J. Bush Long on April 6, 1954. He grew up in the Orange community where he attended Orange Elementary School, and was given his first job as a local paper boy. Joel then attended Connersville Junior High, and was a 1972 graduate of Connersville High School. He continued his education taking classes through IUPUI. On March 1, 1975 Joel married the former Vickie J. Brockman at St. Gabriel’s Church in Connersville. The following Spring, he graduated from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science with high honors. Joel devoted 40 years to the Connersville community as the former owner and current general manager of Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Homes. He was a committee member of the Chamber of Commerce and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1995. He held various offices through the Connersville Jaycees, where he was awarded Jaycee of the Year in 1980. Joel was a proud member and former president of the Connersville Rotary Club. Joel’s most proud civic moment was in 1984 when he led efforts to save the Longwood Bridge and rebuild in Robert’s Park. He subsequently was honored with the Connersville Jaycee Project of the Year award for his leadership. Joel was also awarded The Key Man Award in 1990. Through the Rotary Club, he co-chaired the “Back on Track” project to secure Amtrak passenger service in Connersville. He was an avid member of the Parks Department Trails Committee, Discover Connersville, and the Longwood Covered Bridge Restoration Committee. Joel continued investing in the community by serving on the Fayette Regional Health System board for over 20 years and was the current President of Orange Cemetery. Joel enjoyed working outside in the yard, shopping, attending concerts, going to local auctions, and traveling with his wife. He truly loved spending time with his family and making memories with his children and grandchildren. Joel was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed by his family, the Staff of Showalter Blackwell Long, and the countless families he has dedicated his life to serving. Joel is survived by his loving wife Vickie of 45 years; his children: Joshua N. Long and Amy of Chicago Illinois, J. Andrew Long and Susan of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Julie D. Long of Los Angeles, California; Grandchildren: Lydia, Elliot, Vivian, Joshua Jude, Johnna, June, and Joel Long; Brothers: John M. Long of Southport, James R. Long of Lewisville, Jeremy C. Long and Kristy of Carmel; Sister: Jill E. Bentlage and Mike of Richmond; Sister-in-law: Sharon Long of Westfield; Mother-in-law: Barbara J. Sallee; Several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his Grandparents and parents, Joel is preceded in death by his brothers: Jay F. Long and Jeffrey A. Long; Sister-in-law: Deborah Long Funeral services will be conducted at 12 p.m. on March 14, 2020 at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Eric Hopkins officiating. Interment will follow in Orange Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday March 13, from 4p.m. to 8p.m. and Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jay F. Long Scholarship.