Lewis Long

The LORD called Lewis (Gene) Long home on July 30, 2020 at the age of 93 after experiencing a stroke in August 2019.  We want to express our gratitude to Hope West for providing exceptional home care and support over the past year.

Lew was born October 22, 1926 to Frank Lewis & Genevieve Mary (Thompson) Long in Spirit Lake, Iowa.  He joined the Navy at age 17 in May 1944 during WW II serving on the Aircraft Carrier SARATOGA CV3.  Mission: Bomb Tokyo and Nagasaki; Provide cover to troops at Iwo Jima, assigned to the Forward Engine Room, and obtained the rank of MM3/C.

He began his civilian job career as a power plant operator in Sibley & Spirit Lake, Iowa.  His Navy experience provided the initial knowledge to repair cars, trucks, tractors & boat engines, and eventually he owned and operated Lew’s Auto Repair in Grand Junction.

He was a faithful member of his church.

His favorite achievement was restoring a 1961 Corvair.

He was preceded in death by his parents & only sibling, Mary Elaine Hinners and two of his 7 children, Jimmie & Christie, who were infants.

He is survived by his wife, Althea, and their children; Steve (Diane) Long, Becky Hitchcock, Tracy (Steve) Lemmo, Paula Dascher (Akinde Ayodeji), Jon (Melody) Long, 12 grandchildren & 9 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at

Heritage Church 2403 N. 12th St.

Saturday, August 1st at 11 am.

If you wish to attend the service, we ask that you wear a mask.