Paul David Long, 67, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at his home in Olney. Paul was born on October 7, 1954 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Charles Dale “Doc” and Evelyn (Schwarz) Long. He married Clarise Garrett on July 29, 1974 at the First Presbyterian Church in Olney. Clarise preceded him in death January 6, 2019 and they had celebrated 44 years of marriage.

Paul lived in Forest View and Berwyn, Illinois up until 1966 at which time the family moved back to Olney and Paul attended school in Olney and graduated from East Richland High School in 1972. He worked as an oilfield laborer, factory laborer, auto body and auto mechanic. His employers included Triple B Oil, Keens Service Station, Foxwood Manufacturing and Ray and Jacks Auto Repair among others. In his younger days, Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with Clarise, her twin sister Denise and her husband Rick on the Little Wabash and Embarras rivers and he also loved bass fishing. He was a football, baseball, and a NASCAR fan. His favorite football teams were the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, and his baseball team was the St Louis Cardinals. Paul loved dogs and was unconditionally loved by Shadow and Rylee before their passings. Paul took great pride in being a supporter of all veterans and was a 37-year member of the Sons of the American Legion.

Paul is survived by sisters, Deborah (Joe) Geier of Noble and Donna (Perry) Balding of Olney; Sisters-in-law, Denise Shultz of Olney and Bea (Rich) Camara of Phoenix, AZ; Brothers-in-law, Darrell Kuhl of Olney, Jeff Fye of Oklahoma City, OK, Mike Given and Dennis Given. He is also survived by Aunt, Bonnie Long of Olney; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and a niece.

A Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

Kistler Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL – February 7, 2022