Ivan R. Long

Ivan R. Long, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015 at Mark Twain Caring Center.

Mr. Long was born Aug 22, 1930 in Poplar Bluff to the late Reuben Milton and Dora Mae (Choisser) Long. He attended the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Long had retired as a locomotive engineer for Union Pacific Railroad, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #209 in Poplar Bluff. He proudly served his country while in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Mr. Long enjoyed spending time with his family, and loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping on Current River and woodworking.

On April 2, 1966, he married Geraldine "Geri" Doty in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Other survivors include four children: Steve Long (Coleen) and Dody Burnett (Curt) all of Salt Lake City Utah, Gary Long (Shannon) of Pinon Hills Calif. and Mary Weaver (Nate) of Van Buren, Mo.; 11 grandchildren, Nelson, Michael, Kristin, Mike, Caitlin, Matt, Katie, Joey, Tyler, Jordan and Cameran; six great-grandchildren: Claire, Caleb, Janie, Eliza, Nathaniel and Maya; and many other family members and friends.

Mr. Long was also preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd Long, Byford Long, Reuben Long and Phillip Long.

We, your family honor you as a "good-hearted man" who has loved us in so many ways. You have excelled in things that matter most in this life - as a son, husband, father and grandfather. You have earned our respect through your example and life-long commitment to the higher standards of personal conduct. You have secured our love and devotion to Geri, your children and your grandchildren. You have taught us to love and appreciate the outdoors and God's creations. You have brightened our spirits with your down-home humor, laughter and colorful personality. We are proud to be your posterity and to continue the family tradition.

Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral chapel with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to UCAN, 1899 N. Westwood Blvd., PMB #172, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, St. Jude Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.