Rick Long

Edward L “Rick” Long departed this world from his home in Milford Center, OH on March 16, 2026. Rick was born February 7, 1944 in Jackson County to Willard G. “Brownie” and Jesse M Schettler Long who preceded him in death.

After graduating from Allensville High School in 1962, he worked at Fawcett Oliver Funeral Home and attended Ohio University Chillicothe.

On December 29, 1964 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam and Thailand. On April 30, 1966 he married Loaun “Kay” Cyrus and they celebrated 59 years together.

They had two sons, Brian “Keith” of Grove City, and Bradley Edward, wife Christine and granddaughter Grace McKenzie of Milford Center. The joys of his life.

Rick retired from Lucent Technology, formerly Ohio Bell and became the full-time babysitter for Grace.

Rick enjoyed family and nature. He built a huge fish pond, fed birds, deer, turtles, and fish. He enjoyed all his backyard wildlife.

Rick was the oldest of 10 children. Surviving are Marlene “Cookie” Vitatoe and husband Richard, sisters-in-law Judy and Debbie, brother Jim and wife Sandy, sister Melody and husband Larry Breakfield, Mary Dawn and husband Marco DePugh, Marta Gail and husband Tim Fout, brothers Chuck and David. Preceding Rick in death were his beloved brothers, Philip and Willard “Skip” Long and brothers-in-law Arvin Cyrus, and Steve Shoults. His extended family he loved dearly included his sisters-in-law Ivella Cyrus, Lois Scott and husband Bob. His brothers-in-law Lloyd Cyrus and wife Barb, Lawerence “Bub” Cyrus and sister-in-law Charlotte Shoults and numerous nieces and nephews who all loved Uncle Rick.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 2:30 pm at the Fairview Cemetery in Ray, Ohio with Military Honors being observed.