Donald E. Long

Donald Eugene Long passed away peacefully November 20, 2018 at his home in Arvada, Colorado at the age of 84.  He was born on June 23, 1934 in New Almelo, Kansas, to Andrew and Regina (Otter) Long.

Don lived his early years in New Almelo and Beloit, KS.  There he attended and graduated from St. John's High School.  He went on to attend college at Fort Hays State University and Emporia State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching in 1960.  Education was an important part of Don's life, forming his career as a teacher and continuing his studies at the University of Colorado and the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned 2 master's degrees and the equivalent of a 3 ^rd in Counseling, Administration and Library Sciences.  As a young man, Don taught school in Junction City, KS.  Later, he accepted a teaching position at Secrest Elementary School in Jefferson County, CO where he taught for 29 years.

Don enjoyed country life growing up in Kansas.  His love of farming and its important role in his family's heritage was evident throughout his life.  He loved gardening, tractors, collecting farm implements, tools and memorabilia.  He never turned down an opportunity to share his remembrances of farm life with those he interacted with.  He also shared a multitude of harvests from his gardening pursuits each growing season with family and friends.

Don served his country as part of the United States Kansas Army National Guard from 1952-1960, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class, E-6.

Don married Beatrice Hollerich of Tipton, KS, on September 11, 1957, they were married 61 years at the time of his passing.  They made their home in Arvada, CO where they raised 5 children.  Don was active in his community and church where he attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

Don was also a Denver Bronco fan and enjoyed talking football with family and friends.  In his later years, he spent his spare time enjoying car repair, reading, watching educational television and multiple trips to Branson MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerry and Father Galen, and his daughter Karen.

Donald is survived by his wife Beatrice; son Dan and wife Donna of Glenwood Springs, CO, daughter Mary and husband Bill Sheldon of Parker, CO, daughter Dianne and husband Mike Truitt of Beloit, KS and son Paul and wife Donna of Firestone, CO; brothers, Charles and his wife Mary of  Beloit, KS, Bob and wife Mary of Bella Vista, AR, Father Melvin of Palm Springs, CA, and Carl and wife Joan of Bella Vista, AR; sister Joyce and husband John Highland of Beloit, KS; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Friday, November 30 at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit followed by burial in St. John's Cemetery. A rosary service will be at 7 PM Thursday, November 29 at the Church. Memorials may be given to the Church.