Donald Kanard Longer

Fort Myers - Lieutenant Colonel Donald K. Longer (USAF, Ret.) passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 107. He was born on September 5, 1918, in Ames, Iowa, to Frederick J. and Kathryn G. (Cameron) Longer, and was the eldest of six children. He graduated from Washington County High School in Washington, Iowa, and worked as a truck driver for a local seed company.

Don began his military career in the Iowa National Guard in 1940. A few months later, he and Troop D, 113th Cavalry, known as the Red Horse Troop, left their horses behind and converted to a mechanized reconnaissance unit at Camp Bowe, Texas. In 1941, the troop entered Federal Service. Don successfully completed Officer Training School in 1942, was commissioned into the Armored Force, and assigned to the 7th Division at Camp Polk, Louisiana.

In 1943, Don was approved for pilot training and received his wings in 1944. A veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War, he retired as a command pilot with over 3,000 hours of flight time. During his twenty-nine years of military service, Don was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Chinese Air Force Pilot Wings. He retired from active duty in 1969.

Following his Air Force retirement, Don became the owner and broker of Longer Realty in Pleasantville, New Jersey, and later served as CEO of JJ&L Construction Co. He retired a second time in 1994 and relocated to Fort Myers, Florida.

Don was active in many civic organizations, including the Galloway Kiwanis Club, where he served as Past President. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), and the American Legion, and was also a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE). An avid golfer, Don was a longtime member of Whiskey Creek Country Club.

Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne Marie Lee, in 1993, and his second wife, A. Eleanor Gash, in 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his three children, Yvonne of Idaho Springs, Colorado; Kent of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey; and Douglas of Fort Myers, Florida; his four brothers, William (killed in action, Germany), Richard of Washington, Iowa, Jack (killed in action, Philippine Islands), and Hal of Fort Myers, Florida; and his sister, June Kazda of Eagle River, Wisconsin.

Don is survived by his five grandchildren, Dawn Petek (Tim), Jason Longer, Kathryn Longer Ferrer (Frank), Calvin Longer (Jessica), and Michael Risley; seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas Petek, Kayley Petek, Faith Ferrer, Mariyah Risley, Luna Ferrer, Kira Longer, and Cameron Longer; two stepdaughters, Cynthia Chunderlik (Jay); and Brandie Villano (Frank); two step-grandsons, Matthew Chunderlik and Spencer Villano; his sister-in-law, Mary Longer (Hal); and four nieces/nephews, Sylvia Longer, David Ong, William Longer and Diane Hardy.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a local VFW or American Legion would be greatly appreciated by Don's family.