Raymond Wallace Long

1957-2024

 

     Raymond Wallace Long, 66 of Keokuk, IA passed away Monday, February 26, 2024 at his home.

     He was born on October 5, 1957 in Keokuk, IA the son of Wallace and Norma Tripp Long.  Ray graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1975 and from Southeastern Community College where he earned his Associates Degree.

      On September 14, 1979 Ray was united in marriage to Nancy Schard and to this union two sons were born, Christopher and Steven. They later divorced.

     On January 13, 2001 Ray was united in marriage to Janne Huiskamp in Keokuk.  She survives.

     Other survivors include two sons, Christopher Long of Montrose, IA and Steven Long of Keokuk, one step-son, Ryals Parker (Molly) of Cedar Rapids, IA and one step-daughter, Paige Parker of Cedar Rapids, IA and one granddaughter, Ruth Parker and one on the way. He is also survived by one brother, Rodney Egley (Robin) of Warsaw, IL and several nieces and nephews. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife, and his step-father, John Guy.

     Ray had been employed by Ameren Hydro Plant in Keokuk for thirty-five years, until his retirement in 2014.

     He served as a board member on the Keokuk Waterworks for eight years, the Keokuk Little League and the Keokuk Catholic School Board.   He was a member of the Elks Lodge #106 and moved up the chairs to become Exalted Ruler.  

     Ray was an outdoorsman at heart and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.  He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and loved tailgating at the games.  Ray also enjoyed cooking, bowling and golfing.  He liked tinkering with things around the house making repairs and remodeling. Ray never missed an opportunity to take off on an adventure and over the years, many memorable vacations were made.

     Above all, Ray cherished his relationship with friends and family and never met a stranger.

     A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Mike McMillen officiating.  Burial will be held in the Hickory Grove Cemetery.

     Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at this time.  An Elks service will be held at 7 p.m. following the visitation.

     Memorials may be made to Bel Air Baptist Church Food Pantry or to the Elks Lodge #106 or to the donor’s choice.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com