The Legend, Don R. Long, 72, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:55 am at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on April 19, 1952 to Charles and Elsie (Bish) Long in Rochester, Indiana. He was a 1970 graduate of Rochester High School.
Don met the love of his life, Deborah (Engel) Long on June 9, 2012 and married her on June 9, 2016. She survives, along with his mother Elsie, brother Tom (Laurie), sons Jason (Jennifer), Josh (Marla), step sons Shane (Sally) Dennis, Jeremy (Sarah) Dennis, and Josh (Becky) Ulery, 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 1 nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles, and grandson, Andrew Kierstead.
Don loved being with family and friends above all else. He also greatly enjoyed drag racing and was an avid car guy. He enjoyed an occasional beer and telling a story or two. Don drove a semi for over 40 years as a company driver and owner operator, and was lucky enough to end his storied career at Overpeck Gas. They became his second family, so much so, he fought the retiree life.
He was also proud to be an elite member of the “Dorm Breakfast Club” with a meeting of the minds every morning. He will miss them greatly.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 1:00pm-5:00pm at the Miami County 4H Fairgrounds, 1029 West 200 North, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 5:00pm. Friends and family are encouraged to drive their hot rod or semi truck in honor of Don. Following the funeral service, there will be a procession from the Fairgrounds to the Peru Maennerchor where there will be a Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Don.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald "Don" R. Long, please visit our floral store.
