Merle Ray Long

Dr. Merle Ray Long, 92, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord in his Shawnee home of 55 years, on September 2, 2023. He was born March 2, 1931 in Coffeyville, Kansas to Charles and Grace Long.

Merle married the love of his life, Wanda Fenton on August 18th, 1951, and raised four children. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage.

Merle’s life was in service to others through ministry and education. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed teaching as a college professor, administrator and pastor. His educational achievements include: graduating Field Kindley Memorial High School lettering in football and track in Coffeyville, Kansas, 1949. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Coffeyville College in 1951. He went on to Southwestern College in OKC to earned a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1955. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from OCU in 1956. He earned a Master of Education at OU in 1971. His final degree was earning his Doctor of Education degree in Higher Learning and Administration from OU in 1979.

Merle started working when he was 15 years old bailing hay, working at the local gas station and helping with the youth at his church in Coffeyville, Kansas. His Professional work history includes; Chance Vought Aircraft as a Technical Writer in Ft. Worth, TX; Standard Oil of Indiana as a Draftsman in Tulsa, OK; General Dynamics as an Engineering Writer in Ft. Worth, TX; Southwestern College in OKC as a Professor, Dean of Administration and Executive Vice President; OSU Tech/OKC as a Professor and Director of Learning Resources and over the Deaf Program; and finished his 50 year work career at Rose State College as the Director of Auxiliary Services in Midwest City. During his ministry service, Merle was a gifted speaker and served for 10 years as the Superintendent of the East Texas Conference in the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He spent over 24 years in ministry and pastoring and enjoyed his trip to the Holy Land of Israel.

Merle’s many accomplishments include: Named Boy of the Year – Boys Club, Coffeyville, KS 1948; Tenured Professor and Faculty Council – OSU; Authored Grants receiving over 1 million dollars to create an Education Program for Hearing Impaired Students at OSU/OKC; Authored and received $200,00 Grant for Library Addition at Southwestern College/OKC; Co-Published a Technical Writing Book-OSU/OKC; Recognized by Who’s Who of Educators; Oklahoma Teacher’s Certification in 18 subjects for 29 yrs. in Education; received “The State of OK Citation of Congratulations” on 50th Wedding Anniversary; received certificate for Honorary Commodore in the OK Navy given by Governor Boren; He ran races around Oklahoma to prepare for the Dallas Marathon he completed and took part in the OKC Triathlon.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Long, parents; sisters; and brothers.

He is survived by his children; Steve Long (Kathy) McLoud, OK, Phil Long (Donna) Earlsboro, OK, Karen Nail (David) Flower Mound, TX and Michael Long Mustang, OK; grandchildren: Stephanie Litherland (Eric) Shawnee, OK, Zakary Long (Julieta) Nokomis, FL, Phil Long Jr. (Tyler Palmore) Frisco, TX, Dr. Terry Long (Joyce), Hamptonville, NC, Chris Nail Denver, CO, Aaron Nail (Emma) Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX, Dylan Long Midwest City; Niece Janis Miller, Bethany, MO, and 12 Great Grandchildren.

Merle will be remembered by his positive attitude, Christian Faith and his sense of humor by reminding you he still had his own teeth and a full head of hair. He enjoyed spending time with others and after retirement driving to McDonalds to spend time with his friends.

A visitation for Merle will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A funeral service for Merle will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. We would love for you to come and honor his life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfh.com for the Long family.