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Kermit Long Obituary
94, of Peoria, AZ., passed away peacefully on Oct. 28, 2009. He served as a minister, for 73 years, and faithfully served his Lord in Ohio, Illinois, Arizona and Tennessee. He was a visionary, uniting all faiths and peoples, that we are one in God. He is survived by his wife, Helen Long, and their blended family of 7 children, a vast host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He graduated from Bowling Green State University, in Ohio, then graduated from Garrett Theological Seminary, receiving 3 Honorary Doctorates, in his lifetime. Services to be held Sunday, 11/01/2009, at Lakeview United Methodist Church, at 3:30 p.m., 10298 W. Thunderbird Rd, Sun City, AZ, 85351. (corner of Thunderbird & 103 Ave). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to, International Council of Community Churches, 21116 Washington Parkway, Frankfort, IL 60423.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kermit Long
TOM C FULLER
July 28, 2025
I heard Dr. Long preach at St, Paul UMC in Abilene, Texas around 1968. I was moved by his sermons and his spirit. He also preached at McMurry College, where I was a student, and when he saw me he called me by name. That impressed me. I have been a Methodist minister now for 53 years.
Ray Medina
November 18, 2020
I used to maintain office equipment for a church that Dr. Long. Once he made it a point to encourage me when I needed it most. Almost 30 years later, I can feel Christ's love through him.
Krista A Schmitt
November 29, 2009
Dear Helen, Kerm Jr., Peggy, and family,
Before there is no longer an opportunity to add anything more, I wanted to let you know that it was really a great privilege for Richard, Marissa, me and our other family members to know Kermit Long as a pastor and friend. Richard's and his friendship was meaningful beyond words to Richard, I know, and to Kermit as well, I think. Some of my great pain in losing Richard on Christmas Eve of 2007 is starting to lessen, and I am deeply grateful for Kermit's prayers for Richard that night and grateful as well for all of our family members who were able to hear him pray for all of us. We all were there shortly after Richard began moving into the next world, and with it being Christmas Eve, Kermit's prayers were all we needed to help us through that night.
Knowing that both Richard and Kermit will be there awaiting our homecoming is comforting me more now that some of the extreme pain of the separation is lessening. May all of you know that after this terribly painful period of transition passes over, you also will begin to feel more like yourselves again and will probably feel closer to the next world, the way I think both Kermit and Richard had already felt for quite a few years.
Our family wishes all of you the best for your future years here and in the next world especially. We would like to extend our friendship, support, love, and prayers for the difficult months ahead. Please let us know of anything that we can help you with during this time.
Love always, Krista & Marissa Schmitt and family
Mary Sue Lutz
November 16, 2009
My mother, Inez Raifsnider Lutz, graduated from York with Kermit and just loved him to death. I grew up hearing about him and not until a reunion about five years ago did I get to meet him. I am so glad I did. I just told her...she said she had been thinking about him and should have called. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 5, 2009
The Alabama Area Council of Community and Independent Churches Women Christian Fellowship send our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time of bereavement.Peace God leave with you, His peace He give unto you: not as the world giveth.Let not your heart be troubled, niether let it be afraid.Father,we pray that Helen and her family find geart consolation in knowing You are with them.Amen Rev Julia Powe,WCF,President
November 4, 2009
Helen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember you and Kermit when Mother and I were out in 1962. This is from the Northumberland, PA Troxell's. I was Fred's son and Freddie's brother.
Our condolences to your family.
Donald Troxell
Northumberland, PA
November 3, 2009
Helen and family, our sincere condolences in your time of loss. Kermit will be deeply missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to have known him. He was a wonderful person and great friend. God Bless. Tom Moclair, Michele & Roger Playter (Kahshe Lake, Ontario)
Gord and Shelley Haugh
November 2, 2009
Helen and Family: While Kahshe will miss his cheery wave, fond hello and indomitable spirit, we are all richer for having known Kermit.
Walter&Loretta Jordan
November 2, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
David Macon
November 2, 2009
My sincerest condolences to the entire Long family. Dr. Long was the BEST pastor I have ever been around. I was never very religious but remember Dr. Long and his "Vision" of a church on a hill in Phoenix as inspirational and well, quite simply a vision that with his energy and leadership he made happen. My family was around a lot in the early days and I cherish my memories. Thanks to the Long family and again, sincere condolences.
David A. Macon
Bob Reyburn
November 2, 2009
Helen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Bob Reyburn & Donna Sutherland, Kahshe Lake, Ontario
Debi Willis
November 2, 2009
Helen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this most difficult time. My mother, Jane West, absolutely loved both of you and I'm sure she will join Kermit in watching over you from heaven.
Kermit was a favorite topic of conversation from my daughter, Brianna Snell, when she worked at Montecito and to this day she is still touched by the many kind words Kermit shared with her. Thank you both for the love you shared with my family members - God truly put special people on this earth when he placed you both here.
Leroy McCreary
November 2, 2009
Helen and family-Elaine and I and my church family, People's Community Church extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family during your bereavement. Kermit conducted a revival here in Berea Ohio some years ago, and we all still remember the wonderful time we had with his visiting and preaching for our Lord. He was a wonderful and loving preacher for Christ. We all have great and wonderful memories of Kermit. Reverend Leroy and Elaine McCreary
Rhoda Sutton
November 2, 2009
Dear Helen and Family,
Please know that I am praying for your strength and comfort during this difficult time. Dr. Long was an inspiration to me and I will miss him deeply. His legacy of devotion to the spreading of the gospel will be celebrated now and in the years to come. I look forward to sharing with him again one day in glory!
November 2, 2009
I did not know him personally but at conference I felt like I had known him a long time. He always had a smile and a greeting for me. We felt like we had know each other through the fellowship at conference. He will be missed. Mary Summers/ Baltimore, Md.
November 2, 2009
The Alabama Area Council of Community and Independent Churches extends heartfelt sympathy to the family of Rev. Dr. Kermit Long. There are many in our council who had worked with Dr. Long for many years. May God's Word strengthen you in your time of bereavement, knowing "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal."
Rev. Roderick Boles - President,
Senior Clergy ~ Rev. J. Burton, Rev. H. Salter, Rev. B. Colvin, Rev. H. Green, Rev. D. Brock, Rev. K. Robinson, Rev. F. Perkins, Rev. M. Lewis, Rev. J. Thornton, Rev. J. Coleman
Brianna Snell
November 2, 2009
Kermit was an outstanding man that anyone was blessed to have gotten to know. I worked at The Montecito for many years and knew him not only as a resident but almost as family. Him and his wife were like grandparents to me and I couldn't have asked for anyone more special to fill that void I was missing. Kermit, you will be very missed and I hope you know how much joy you brought into my life!! I truly do love you and your wife like my own family. I know you are in heaven and you will always be in my thoughts. Thank you for everything you ever gave me. You will be dearly missed!! I love you!!
Rev. Cay Randall-May
November 1, 2009
Jud and I join in extending our loving support to Helen, Peggy, and the entire family. We will always be there for you, as Dr. Long was always there for us. We are priviledged to have known Dr. Long and to have received his unconditional love during times of joy and challenge.
Krista Schmitt
October 31, 2009
Dear Helen, Kerm Jr. and family,
For each of us, I mourn the loss of Kermit's uplifting presence being here on Earth to lead, guide, and console us. For him, though, this must be a joyful time being reunited with past family members and with so many friends who have gone on before him. Recently, I had been thinking of Kermit quite a bit and had had some dreams about him, so it was not surprising when I heard from Jo Adams that he was near the end of this life. It was very heartwarming to read in his obituary, though, that he experienced a very peaceful death.
Kermit has always been such a big part of our family's lives. Not only did he officate at our wedding and then baptize our daughter Marissa when she was 4 months, he remained a close friend to all of our family members throughout our lives.
A year or so before Richard died, he had planned his funeral and would happily announce to Marissa and I when we passed the mortuary that it was the place where his viewing would be held. I had to tell him that Marissa and I weren't quite as happy about that as he seemed to be, but it was always nice to know that he was ready. It is now wonderful to know that Kermit and Richard will be able to again joke and laugh together. For both of them, seeing so many friends go on ahead of them, it must be that the pull of this life here on Earth gets gradually weaker. Another important thing was that both Richard and Kermit were always such active men, it must have been a great joy for them to know that eventually the shackles of this earthly body would be broken and that God would give them new and perfected bodies.
Marissa, my sister Diane, and I all send our sincere wishes, prayers, and condolences for Kermit's family and all of his close friends who are grieving at this time. We will miss him greatly, and look forward to seeing you and remembering Kermit at his funeral on Sunday. With much love and prayers for peace, Krista, Marissa and family
October 30, 2009
Dear Helen and Family
We were very sad to hear of Kermit's passing.He was a wonderful man to know and we have some very fond memories of our special times with you both in days gone by. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Kitt and Ron Pope
Jean Beasley
October 30, 2009
Helen and family, I was deeply saddened when I heard of Kermit's passing. He and all of you have been a part of my families life since I was eleven. When I told my youngest son, Aaron, he said the same thing. Kermit will be dearly missed by all his friends and family, but the fish at Kahshe are probably jumping for joy! You have my families deepest sympathy and know that we can all rejoice together when we get to heaven. I'm sure Wayne, Jay, Russ, Geri, Fred and all his other friends met him at the gate to welcome him home.
With all our love, Keith and Jean Beasley; Josh and Casey and Aaron Kauffman
Gordon Ward
October 30, 2009
Kermit's impact on the spirtuality of this country will never be fully known. As head of the United Methodist Board of Evangelism he had visions many years ahead of their time. Throughout his long life he was never content with the status quo...always looking to future endeavors. He and I served on the Board of Past Presidents of the Bowling Green State University Alumni Association, and his insightful input at our meetings was always welcome. Condolences to his family. Gordon Ward, Sylvania, Ohio
Karen Shepler
October 30, 2009
Helen and family -
Kermit was always Uncle Kermit to me and most recently -- in the past 20 years or so a long distance mentor. He lived with my parents when he was in college and as a young pastor and has always been close to the heart of our family.
I think the thing I most respect and honor about him is his visionary leadership and his ability to see when "the way we've always done it" was not the only way. The fact that he became a part of an interfaith community says it all.
I'm so glad I got to visit you and Kermit over the last few years to reconnect and to "sit at his feet" and learn from him.
We have lost a giant of the faith and even though I have not been near enough to visit often, I have appreciated the few visits and his phone calls just to check up on me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shalom,
Rev Karen Shepler
Bill Adams
October 30, 2009
Kermit has been my inspiration since
I was in 4th grade. Although I often strayed from his guidance,his presnce in my life always brought me back to better times. I know my father was one of the greeters this week when he passed on to his heavenly father. My dad loved him so as we all did. I can never repay him for the times he stood by me, even when I probably didn't deserve it. I am also thankful for the opportunity he gave me on occasion to deliver the sermon in his service. I know he was blessed to have found Helen and this in turn increased the blessing for the rest of us. My prayers are for the family and with a special one for you Helen. May the LORD bless and keep you always - Bill
Ray & Bev Schreur
October 30, 2009
Dear Helen and your family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dear husbands passing..We Thank God for allowing us to know him and to enjoy some of his messages he preached to us at the Sunflower Resort in Surprise, AZ. It always was a thrill to have you both there at the services even when he was not preaching & at the pastors appreciation dinners . We are so Thankful for his life and for his service to GOD. We now are asking God for extra blessings on you and your family during this difficult time of having to say your earthly good-byes. And we Praise God we will All be joined together again in heaven some day..We loved him dearly and are so thankful for the precious memories we have of you both.
Just in case you can't place us, at this time,,, I always sat in the front row at the Worship services at Sunflower, and Ray sang in the choir every Sunday morning.
Helen, we Wish we were there to give you a big hug...
Sending our love and prayers to you and your family,
Ray and Bev Schreur
We will treasure the book we have that Dr. Kermit wrote...
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