Donald Long Obituary

Donald Long

LAFAYETTE - Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lafayette, for Donald Long, age 76.

Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Long's Grandson, Reverend Nathan Long, Secretary - Ministry of Christian Formation in Lake Charles, Louisiana, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Giftbearers are Scott Long and Paula Harwin. Lector is Nicole Foreman. Vocalist, Darlene Arnaud, niece of Mr. Long, will sing, "Here I Am, Lord", "Amazing Grace", "Eye Has Not Seen", "On Eagles' Wings", and "How Great Thou Art".

Donald Long was known by friends far and wide as "Dandy Don" -- a truly passionate fan of Louisiana State University sports and a leading voice of the Tiger Nation.

Don met the love of his life, Joy, some 55 years ago. They quickly married and remained a loving couple until her death in July, 2010. Together they raised five children, Kenneth Paul Long of Lake Charles (married to Marjorie Landry Long), Karen K. Long of Baton Rouge (married to Ted Chapman), Daniel Thomas Long of Arlington, Texas (married to Joyce Blackburn Long), Paula Long Harwin of Lafayette (married to Anthony Harwin), and Scott Allen Long of Youngsville (married to Heather Roths Long); thirteen grandchildren, Father Nathan Long, Nicole Long Foreman (married to Brad Foreman), John Gibby, Jr., Christina Gibby (engaged to Michael Springer), Matthew Long, Grayson Long, Lindsay Joy Harwin, Regan Harwin, Julianne Harwin, Gabrielle Harwin, Valerie Long, Amelia Long and Bethany Long, and seven great grandchildren, Kaleb Foreman, Andrew Foreman, Isabella Foreman, Philip Foreman, Nicholas Foreman (expected on June 8), Lilla Coffey and Prestin Springer.

Don is survived by four brothers - retired Representative Jimmy Long of Natchitoches, Dr. Bill Long of Shreveport, Carroll Long of Longview (TX), and Senator Gerald Long of Natchitoches.

Donald Smith Long, born December 17, 1935, peacefully ended his long fight against colon cancer on Saturday, April 28, 2012 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in the rural town of Tannehill, Louisiana, raised in the Winnfield area and was a resident of Lafayette for 51 years.

He lived a life in service to others. He believed in God, his country, in simple pleasures and the value of family and friends. As often as possible he spent time fishing, working in the garden, tossing a ball with his grandkids, or just enjoying a cup of coffee with close friends.

Don had a blue-collar work ethic and valued good customer service. These values were evident throughout his career as a meat cutter and market manager and then as a federally-certified inspector for the state of Louisiana in the meat and seafood industries.

One of his passions was to watch young kids grow and develop as competitive athletes. He served as baseball coach to many Little Leaguers, and he constantly encouraged athletes of any sport to do well in school, train better and develop as an athlete that enjoys the game and exemplifies good sportsmanship. Don officiated high school football games across the state of Louisiana.

It was an honor for Don to be the voice of DandyDon.com, since he and his son, Scott, founded the daily blog on LSU sports in 1996. At that time he devoted himself to bringing daily messages to the Tiger community, though he had been an LSU fan for decades prior. For some thirty years, until the time came for him to care daily for Joy in her fight against Parkinson's Disease, he hadn't missed a game in Tiger Stadium. He also loved attending games at Alex Box and the Maravich Center.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Joy Ardoin Long, his father, Ruben Ray Long, his mother, Ruby Smith Long and three brothers - James Wade Long, Colvin Ray "Cotton" Long, and Thomas Henry Long - all from Winnfield.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Long, Daniel Long, Scott Long, John Gibby, Jr., Matthew Long and Anthony Harwin.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's SOUTHSIDE location on Monday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 8:00 AM until time of service.

A Rosary will be prayed Monday, April 30, 2012 at 7:00 PM by Chaplain Lou Labbe with Hospice of Acadiana in Martin & Castille Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Hospice of Acadiana for their kind, loving care during a difficult time. www.hospiceacadiana.com

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille-SOUTHSIDE-600 E. Farrel Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-984-2811

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advertiser on Apr. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Long

4 Entries

Tim Faul, M.D.

May 4, 2012

I grew up with Mr. Don as a Little league coach and remember him with affection
as a caring and gentle man. His son Scott and wife Heather grew up as classmates of mine from elementary school to graduation. I had the pleasure and honor of taking care of him during one of his surgeries and was warmed by his kindness and bravery. I am thankful I knew him as a child and met him again as an adult. I will remember him as a man who was kind and generous to us kids on the baseball field.

May 1, 2012

So sorry to hear of your loss Pam (Jordan).
Mark Akerman

Tim Patrick

April 30, 2012

From an Ole Miss fan that read his postings on a frequent basis, I can say that Dandy Don Long will be missed. Rest in peace.

Lanell Speights

April 30, 2012

I didn't know Don personally, but have read Dandy Don for many years. He will truly be missed by the faithful Tiger fans, but we know that his legacy will live on through his son Scott. I know he must have been a wonderful father to his children and please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time in your life. May God bless all you and comfort and give you strength in the days ahead.