Donald Lee Long

Donald Lee Long went to be with his Lord on August 8, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in 1938 in Milan, Missouri, Don was the son of William and Bernice Deeds Long and was one of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers- Edward, Eugene, and Charles, and his beloved grandson, Dane Long. Don married the love of his life, Janice Sue Mewmaw, daughter of Francis and Esther Mewmaw, also of Milan, on June 15, 1957. Together, they shared nearly 68 years of love, faith, and dedication to each other and their family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janice of Jacksonville, three sons-Rick Long (Terri Watts) of Winchester, Craig (Kelly) Long of Bluffs, and Randy (Sally) Long of Murrayville. Don's legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren who adored him. His grandchildren include Megan Long Little of Winchester, Chelsea (Derek) Suttles of Jacksonville, Sarah (Brandon) Runk of St. Charles, MO, Drew (Lauran) Long of Bolingbrook, IL, Katelin (Brian) Six of Chapin, Caleb (Hanna) Long of St. Louis, Blake Long (Kelley Daly) of Minneapolis, MN, Tyson (Anna) Long of O'Fallon, IL, and Weston (Emily Griffith) Long of St. Louis. His great-grandchildren include Brayden, Chance, and Ali Little, Jackson, Henry, and Olivia Six, Paxton and Croy Suttles, Elise and Owen Long, and Penny and Mathew Long. Don is also survived by five siblings: Dean Long of East Moline, IL, Deloris Lawrance of Milan, MO, Virginia Hale of Cameron, MO, Bill Long of Milan, MO, and Cathy Wood of Kirksville, MO. Don began his career in the electrical field in 1957 when he joined N W Electric Power Cooperative in Cameron, Mo, quicky rising to the rank of Crew Foreman. In 1966, Don moved his family to Winchester, IL, where he joined Western Illinois Power Cooperative as Lead Foreman. Two years later, he transferred to Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative, where he began as a journeyman lineman and worked his way up through the ranks to Serviceman, Line Foreman, and eventually Line Superintendent, retiring in 1996 after a dedicated 28-year career with the organization. Don was a man of unmatched work ethic, often taking on additional projects and always seeking to improve. In his “spare" time, he built eight houses, three Cameron, MO and six in the Winchester, IL area. He enjoyed working alongside his sons, keeping them busy during their teenage years with the construction project that became a beloved family tradition. However, it was his love for family that was his true passion. Above all, Don cherished his role as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was happiest when surrounded by a house full of children and loved ones. His heart was full of pride for his family, and his devotion to them was unwavering. A man of deep faith, Don was a long-time member of the Winchester United Methodist Church, where he dedicated his time and talents to numerous church projects. His impeccable integrity, love for his Lord, and dedication to his family served as an example of what it means to live a life of faith and purpose. He was the kind of man who quietly lived out his values, showing all who knew him how to live with kindness, humility, and unwavering love of God and family. Don is now at peace, enjoying his eternal reward for a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Funeral services for Don will be held 11:00 am Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at the Winchester United Methodist Church with interment in the Winchester City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until time of the services at the church. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church. The Daws Family Funeral Home in Winchester is in charge of the arrangements. Janice and her family would like to express a heart felt "Thank You" to the staff and caregivers at Cedarhurst. The loving care they extended toward Don was very much appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Donald Lee Long

March 30, 1938 - August 8, 2025