Robert "Bob" Garfield Long

Robert “Bob” Garfield Long, 84, of Bluffs passed away Monday, August 1, 2017 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village in Springfield. He was born July 21, 1933 in Beloit, WI. He was the son of Roy G. and Zoe (Cox) Long. Bob graduated from Urbana High School in 1952, where he was a standout athlete in football, baseball and track. He graduated from Western Illinois University in 1961 and later received his Master’s Degree from WIU in 1972. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the Army from 1953 to 1956. Bob married Connie G. Parrack on February 8, 1958 in Monmouth, IL. She preceded him in death on, January 17, 2017. Bob and Connie were the proud parents of Kevin (Pam) Long of Cissna Park, Kelly (Robert) Sheppard of Pittsfield, Matt (Becky) Long of Camp Point and Scott (Candice) Long of Springfield. He was the beloved “Papa” of Alicia Pool of Pittsfield, Mitchell Long of Darlington, WI, Bryce and Marlee Long of Camp Point, and Emily, Kyle and Claire Long of Springfield. Bob is survived by siblings Miriam McGrath, Dee (Denny) Doyle and Hasson (Mary) Kateeb. Their warmth and loving embrace were a comfort to Bob as they were united late in life. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Parrack. Bob was a coach and mentor to generations of area athletes and coaches. He started his coaching and teaching career in Rockport, IL, followed by stops in Bement, Bluffs, Camp Point Central, Meredosia, Jacksonville High, Jacksonville Routt, Virginia and Meredosia. In 1996 he was inducted in to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Bob enjoyed attending all of his children and grandchildren’s events. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a member of the American Legion and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bluffs, where he previously served as an Elder. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Zoe and Roy Long and his birth parents, Iva Mae (Elliott) Kateeb and Leroy J. Amberg. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Robert Parrack. Funeral services will be held Saturday August 5, 2017 at 11:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church with internment in Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry, IL. Visitation will be held at the church Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Memorials are suggested to the Bob Long Memorial Fund. Memorial Fund donations will go to Camp Point Central and Cissna Park Basketball.

Robert "Bob" Garfield Long

July 21, 1933 - August 1, 2017