Robert Max 'Bob' Long, 78, of Olney, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, February 5, 2010, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.  Burial in Haven Hill Cemetery with full military rites performed by Richland Country veterans organizations.

Mr. Long was born January 2, 1932, in Olney, the son of Murel and Lucille (LeFever) Long.

After graduating from Olney Township High School, he served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he was employed by Western Union as a telegrapher in La Grange, Danville and Mt. Vernon. Upon returning to Olney in 1974, he was employed by Pool's Bargain Center and then worked for the State of Illinois Department of Aging, where he was awarded "Employee of the Year" in 1990. He was an avid sports enthusiast with a particular fondness for the Chicago Cubs, the Fighting Illini, the Olney Tigers and the OCC Blue Knights. He also enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, and serving others.

Mr. Long is survived by his brother, Benny and his wife, Carol Long, of Huntington, Ind.; sister-in-law, Peggy Long, of Logan, Ohio; and 11 nieces and nephews, including Reva and Fred Wells, of Olney, Candi Hallam, of Groveland, Ill., and Cathy and Jim Pottorff, of Olney; and great-nieces and nephews, including Thad Wells, Emilie Chase, Chelsey Cotterell and Jordan Pottorff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Murel and Lucille Long; sister, Mary Louise Hallam; and brother, Danny Gene Long.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)