Howard Louis Long

Howard Louis Long March 26, 1922 - Nov. 28, 2009 Howard Louis Long, often described as South Austin's unofficial historian, owner of the iconic Austin Communications business at South First and Live Oak Streets for more than 35 years and a devotee of ballroom dancing in his later years, died Saturday, November 28, 2009 after a long illness at Marbridge Villa. He was 87. Howard was known and beloved by scores of his Travis Heights neighbors, friends and business associates through his long years of community service and activity, particularly in the Boy Scouts and Masonic Lodge. Born March 26, 1922 in Austin, Howard was the eldest son of Frank Louis and Freda Bohls Long, Howard grew up on South Congress Avenue with his brother, Gene. He spent time in his childhood helping at the Cotton Gin that his father owned in Creedmore in the 1930s. Howard got his start in radio in the early 1940s through the National Youth Association Radio School. He was an amateur radio operator [W5KSB] and also attended radio classes at the University of Texas. During WWII he worked as a civilian in the radio department at Duncan Field in San Antonio. Then he opened his own radio shop, Capitol Radio on S. Congress close to Fulmore Middle School. In the 1950s Howard sold this business and went to work in the radio department of Game and Fish (now Texas Parks and Wildlife). On March 31, 1945, Howard and Gladys Anderson were married. They lived in the Travis Heights neighborhood and raised their three sons there. Howard was active with his sons in Boys Scouts of America, serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 19, with his three sons attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He also was an assistant coach for his sons' Little League Baseball teams. Howard opened his long-time radio repair business, Austin Communications, an authorized Motorola Service shop, in partnership with the late Bill Wilson. Located at South First and Live Oak, their business was honored for 35 years of faithful service by Motorola. Gladys worked along side Howard keeping the business records. After retirement in 1987, Howard and Gladys traveled widely and continued their favorite activity of ballroom dancing. They were active in Friday Night "Let's Dance" at the Senior Activity Center for 25 years. They were also members of The Waltz Club, Sundancers, ABD and others for many years. They have been blessed by many wonderful friendships through the dance clubs. Howard was a 60 year member and Past Master of Onion Creek Masonic Lodge #220 and was also a member of Ben Hur Shrine. He was a life-long member of Central Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. He enjoyed hobbies up at his Lake Travis cabin including fishing and woodworking. His grandchildren's favorite place to be was with Pop Pop and Grandma at the lake. Howard is survived by his beloved wife of over 64 years, Gladys; son Louis and spouse Janet and grandchildren Andrea, Jordan, Matthew, Forrest, Philip and Linnea of Houston; son Jim and spouse Mary, and grandsons Alex of Champaign, IL, and 2nd Lt. Zachary Long and Sgt. Adam Long of the U.S. Army; son Glen and spouse Greg Betts of Menlo Park, CA; nieces and nephews including his brother's children Janet, Weldon and Sheryl. Howard was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gene. With his friendly, funny, outgoing personality, Howard was known and loved by family and friends, who will always treasure the memories. Howard never knew a stranger, always had time to talk, and always had a funny story to tell. The family will receive friends on Friday December 4, 2009 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home, Austin, TX. A private family internment will take place at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Cemetery. Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday December 5, 2009 at Harrell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard's memory to Marbridge Villa, 2504 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca, TX 78652 who lovingly cared for him the past three and a half years or to Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. 8th St., Austin, TX, 78701.