Charles Louis Long Sr.
Aug. 11, 1936 – Apr. 8, 2024
SALINA – Charles Louis Long Sr. passed away April 8, 2024, in Salina, Kansas, at the age of 87. He was born on Aug. 11, 1936, in New Almelo, Kansas, to Andrew and Regina (Otter) Long.
Charles lived his early years in New Almelo and Beloit, Kansas, graduating from St. John’s Catholic High School, Beloit in 1954.
He studied at Creighton University, took courses at Marymount College, Emporia State University, the University of Kansas, completing his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Kansas State University. He later received his Master of Science from FHSU in 1971.
Charles began his teaching career at Junction City Elementary School. During this time, he also served his country in the United States Kansas Army National Guard from 1957 to 1965, attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant.
During this time, Charles met Mary Eleanor Nolan of Junction City, Kansas. They married at St. Xavier’s Church on June 6, 1960, celebrating over 63 years at the time of his passing. After marriage, Charles and Mary moved to Grandview, Missouri, where Charles worked for the JC Penney Company, moving back to Beloit and purchasing the family farm in 1966 where they raised their four children.
He began his Beloit teaching career in 1966 at Roundtop, a country schoolhouse southwest of town and continued shortly after at Beloit Elementary School, teaching sixth-grade English and math. He also served as summer school principal for a number of years.
In addition to his teaching career, Charles ran a hog farrowing operation, along with farming crops of wheat, milo, soybeans and sunflowers.
His faith in God and love of his church were of greatest importance. Charles was an active member in his parish and was on multiple councils and organizations serving both his church and community. He prayed the rosary nightly with his wife, led his children by example, and was an active and loving father in all areas of their lives.
Charles retired from teaching in 1993, but continued farming for many more years. He ventured into no-till farming. He also became a writer, photographer and editor for “Leading Edge, The Journal of No-Till Agriculture,” and other publications. For years he was a featured speaker at the No-Till on the Plains Conferences at the Bicentennial Center in Salina.
After selling the farm and moving to town, he continued working for other farmers. His no-till farming experiences led to a job with Exapta Solutions, which manufactures no-till seeding equipment. He went to farm and trade shows across the country and worked from his home office, placing orders and giving guidance to no-till farmers. After health issues arose, he finally retired.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Jerry, the Rev. Galen Long, Donald, and the Rev. Melvin Long.
He is survived by his wife Mary, son Charles and wife Jenna of Derby, Kansas, daughter Laura and husband Kurt McMillan of Wichita, Kansas, daughter Mary and husband Ron Pahls of Salina, Kansas, son Bill of Wichita, brothers Bob and wife Mary and Carl and wife Joan, all of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and sister Joyce and husband John Highland of Beloit. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Charles, Monica, Lauren, Jack and Thomas Long of Derby; Nathan and Madison McMillan of Wichita; Lisa Wendell, Michelle Ryan, and Christy Pahls of Salina, and Kellie Sorce of Scottsdale, AZ; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be given to: St. John's Memorial Trust Fund or the St. John's Education Fund.
The family extends our deepest gratitude to all who have reached out and kept Charles and his family in their prayers.