Ronald Dean Long

entered into his heavenly home on November 15th, 2022 holding the hand of his

youngest son.

Ron was the champion of a number of important causes and worked tirelessly for

peoples God given rights. From working as chairman of the UAW Retirees, to being

President of Indiana Alliance for Retired Persons, a member of Statewide Labor

Roundtable, and being an active member of the Community Action Program. He

constantly worked to be sure anyone needing help, received it. He was also very

active in the Speedway Methodist Church, having been the President of the SUMC

Methodist Men, teaching Sunday School, and helping in the church audio/visual

department. Both Ron and Chris were very involved in the scouting program with Boy

Scouts of America. As a young man, he was awarded the highest honor of becoming

an Eagle Scout.

He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp, serving in Viet Nam from

1966 to 1968 before being wounded. He and Chris were involved with Indy Honor

flights. He served as a Guardian on Flight #4 and as a participant on Flight #34 with his

Marine grandson Nicholas as his Guardian. In his final days he was cared for at the

Indianapolis VA with great care and respect.

His sense of humor and quick wit was something we all loved. Dad jokes were a part

of his routine and were often met with a groan and a giggle.

Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Chris, whom he met at Great Lakes Naval

Hospital in 1967. Ron had been injured in Viet Nam and was recuperating at the

hospital there. The American Legion in Fox Lake would bring the soldiers out to the

lake and Chris would give boat rides and provided the dinner music. It was there that

they met and their lifelong love story began.

Survived by his sons Richard (Kathy) and Andrew (Devon). Also survived by

grandchildren Taylor Mink (Justin), Nick, Justin, Jackson, Riley, Samantha, Cooper, and

Gryffin. Also three great-grandchildren, Memphis, Maverick and Presley. Ron will also

be missed by his brothers David (Janet) and Tim (Janie) and many nieces, nephews

and family members. Ron was preceded in death by his infant son Michael, his

parents Robert and Edna, brother Gary and sister Joanna.

The celebration of Ron’s life including military honors, will be held at Speedway United

Methodist Church, 5065 W 16th, Indianapolis, IN on November 21st, 2022. Visitation

will begin at 1:00 PM with a service at 4:00 PM EST. For those not able to attend in

person, please join the service on the internet by going to Facebook and finding the

page for Speedway United Methodist Church or by using the link on the church

website at www.speedway-umc.org/.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Ron’s memory to your

favorite charity.

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