Ernest Neal Long, 86, of Hampton, CT passed away on December 26, 2023. He was born in Tescott, KS, son of the late Harold and Lola (Newland) Long.

Neal was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Stuttgart, Germany. While in the military, he was on the Army boxing team, winning the light heavyweight championship and skydiving team, with over 400 jumps in his career, even as Santa Claus. Because of his experience of playing the saxophone in the Tescott High School marching band, his drill sergeant asked him to help train his fellow soldiers in how to march. Even his experience working as a lineman for Southwestern Bell came in handy as he was asked to help train soldiers in how to climb and repel down telephone poles. He retired from AT&T after 35 years.

Neal enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing, and spending time with his family. He took karate for several years, was a baseball coach and a certified pilot. Ernest was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed watching KU Jayhawk basketball. He loved animals, especially his son’s dog Nooan.

Neal is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marquita (Wilcox) Long, son Brian Long and his wife Tukta, daughter Anita (Long) Ochs, grandchildren Brent Becker and his wife Neisha, Dylan Becker, and Dakota Archer, great grandchildren Gavan, Wyatt, and Emma Becker, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his siblings: Althea Sumey, Evan Wayne Long, and Ronald Long.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Emmanuel Church; 1325 E. Cloud, Salina, KS 67401. Inurnment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Salina.

Local Arrangements have been entrusted to the Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences can be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.