John William Long

  John William Long, 69, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on November 13, 2024, in Wamego after a head-on collision. 

  Born on January 19, 1955, in Manhattan, Kansas, to William Chester and Diane Lea (Saunders) Long. He graduated from Manhattan High School in 1973. After high school, he earned his CDL and worked for Buchanan Trucking in Manhattan. After this, he went to work for Harding Glass Company. He met Deborah DeeAnn Kirby, they fell in love, and were married on January 29th, 1983, in Manhattan. They welcomed their three children, Melissa Jo, Brent William, and Crystal Lea. When his family was younger, he spent his time at county fairs, sporting events, barrel races, camping trips, trail rides, fishing, and card nights. He loved his animals, something he inherited from his parents. John went on to own his own company, Long Trucking, for four years. He worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation throughout his life and retired from there in 2020. 

  John loved his family fiercely, and his grandbabies had his whole heart. He enjoyed taking trips with his wife, whether riding on their gator, Vista dates, or driving to visit his children and grandchildren. When his beloved wife Deb was going through stage 4 breast cancer, he took care of her and their three children without complaint. He showed his family love in many ways, but one way was by warming up their cars on cold mornings and scraping their windows. He always ensured their cars were running properly and being cared for. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and stopping by for visits. He spent many Saturday mornings enjoying camaraderie with friends during “Commissioner Coffee.”

  John had gotten quirky in his old age. He had a love for solar lights, and you would often find him rearranging them around the farm. “Papa John” was a title that he was very proud of, and he loved to wear shirts that stated so. He was also a proud member of the International Association of Turtles, known as the "Turtle Club." If you don’t know who they are, ask his wife, “Are you a turtle?” and you’ll get your answer. His personality was a delightful blend of hard-working diligence, fiercely loyal love, and a dash of playful mischief that made life more colorful. 

  John’s beloved wife, Deb, stood by him through life's joys and challenges and survives at their home. They built a beautiful family together, including their cherished children who also survive, Melissa Jo Keeline (Carson) from Wright, Wyoming, Brent William Long (Stacey) from Canton, Kansas, and Crystal Lea Silva (Chris) from Paxico, Kansas; and their sparkling grandchildren Danner JoAnn, Ronnie James, Kacy DeeAnn, Gatlin William, Bohannon Buck, Daisy LeeAnn, Isaiah Joe, Ivy Ann, and Aspen Lea. He also leaves behind his siblings Linda Hall, Scott Long, and Susan Van Swaay (Jouke); brother-in-law Steven Kirby (Debbie); best friends Buck and Karla Buchanan; his loyal companion dog, Marsh; and countless friends, neighbors, nieces, and nephews. 

  John is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Delbert and Betty Kirby, and brother-in-law James Hall.

  Visitation will occur on November 22, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego. A graveside service will be held on November 23, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at Wabaunsee Cemetery, Wamego. The family asks that you wear jeans and your favorite hat. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Wamego Hospital Foundation. 

  As we celebrate John William Long's life, let us remember that the warmth and laughter he brought into our lives will continue to echo through the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.