Clair Long

Clair Eugene Long passed away peacefully on April 24, 2012, at the age of 91. He was born to Clay and Lena Long on Nov. 1, 1920, in Albia, Iowa, and grew up there with his sister, Grace.

In 1941, he joined the Army Air Corps. When World War II broke out, he was stationed in the Pacific and served in Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa.

After the war, Gene had a variety of jobs. He helped build Anderson Ranch Dam and worked at First Security Bank in Boise, for a Bulk plant in La Grande, Bradley Mining in Stibnite and a pump manufacturer in Parma. In 1954, he began working for the civil service at Mountain Home Air Force Base and worked there as a contracting officer for 26 years.

Gene had a variety of hobbies. He loved camping, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed flying and flew with the Civil Air Patrol for several years as well as belonging to the Masons, the I.O.O.F and the Elks.

He raised Arabian horses for many years, and after retirement he and Freda delivered new motor homes to dealerships all across the country. They loved going on road trips just to see the scenery in all the seasons of the year and spent many winters in Texas and Arizona square dancing, round dancing and having fun.

Gene is survived by his wife, Freda; his son, Dale; daughters Donna Van Tuinen, Delores Mittelmark and Debbie Kurtz; as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister, Grace Randall, great-granddaughter, Brittney Parsons, and son-in-law, Lewis Mittelmark.

There will be a small gathering andopen house at 1194 SE Fisher Road on Saturday, May 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. for those who wish to celebrate Gene's life. A private burial will be conducted at a later date.