Robert Leon Long, 72, known by all as "Goose", passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Goose was born in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 26, 1950, to Buford Marvin and Rosemary (Bowman) Long. He grew up in Coffeyville where he attended Longfellow Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High, Field Kindley Memorial High School, and Coffeyville Community College. He furthered his education attending Pittsburg State University and received his bachelor’s degree from Friends University out of Wichita,KS.
On October 20, 1977, he married the love of his life Darla Burrows at the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville. Following their marriage, they made their home in Coffeyville where they raised their daughters Jessi and Amber.
Goose was a jack of all trades. He had many jobs all of which he loved. His early work experience was in the field of production and inventory control at Funk manufacturing, Jensen brothers and Day and Zimmerman. He then continued on to work with family at Moonhill, later known as Evans Electric, finally ended his career working as a safety consultant in the industrial construction field for Logan and Company and Turnaround Consulting Services. Each job he had displayed his thoughtfulness, dedication, and selflessness to others. He was also a familiar and supportive figure at various sporting events, always present to cheer on his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to his family.
Survivors include his wife, Darla and dog Kozmo of the home; his daughters, Jessi Vanderpool and husband James of Independence, Kansas, and Amber Wade and husband Zack of Havana, Kansas; his five grandchildren, Wyatt and Anna Cantrell, and Lilee, Luke, and Lauren Wade. Goose was a dedicated brother to Terry Long and wife Kathy of Coffeyville, Crickett Long and wife Lynette of Delaware, Oklahoma, and Pam White and late husband David of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will remember their 'Goose' with fondness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Rosemary Long.
Goose was known for being active in his community and a dedicated member of the Field Kindley High School Booster Club while his daughters were in school. His love for his family and friends was the cornerstone of his life, and his thoughtfulness, support, and loyalty will be greatly missed by all.
Friends may sign the register book on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will greet friends on Friday when they will be hosting a beloved family event "Cheeseburger Friday" in the teen building from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, Kansas. Come hungry and enjoy a cheeseburger in honor of Goose.
A memorial service celebrating Goose Long's life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, Kansas with David Bycroft officiating.
We encourage everyone who knew and loved Goose to visit the memorial page at www.dwbfh.com
where you can share memories, upload photos, and celebrate the life of this thoughtful, dedicated, and loyal man.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Longfellow Project, run by Robert Cooper, or the Labette County Fair; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.
