Russell Long

Russell Roger "Rog" Long, 82 of Grand View, quietly passed away in his sleep May 27, 2016. Roger was a beloved husband, family man and friend. He was active in his community and was greatly loved and will be missed.

Roger was a lifelong Freemason, avid outdoorsman and could fix anything. He was often called upon for advice or help making a repair or figuring something out. There was always coffee ready for anyone stopping in to sit a spell.

Roger was born April 23, 1934, in Perry, Mo., the youngest son to parents Fredrick Rosel "Jack" Long and Rosa Oglesby Long. Four sisters and a brother welcomed him into this world and preceded him in death.

He graduated from Perry High School in 1952. Three years later, Roger met the love of his life, Martha "Jane" Yarbrough, while she was teaching school and living in Perry. They married May 23, 1955.

Two years later, their first son, James Allen, was born. Their second son, Jack Lloyd, followed two years later, and it took another two years for their much anticipated Michelle to arrive -- rounding out the family. They recently celebrated their 61st anniversary.

In 1963, Roger worked as a surveyor for the State of Missouri. This work introduced him to Millstone Bangert Brothers Construction Co. He was offered a position with Millstone, and at age 30 he had become their superintendent.

He moved on to NE Power Co., supervising a crew installing power lines. In his "spare" time, he worked then purchased Grandpa Yarbrough's 260-acre farm in Emerson, Mo.

Jane's uncle, Walter Yarbrough of the Question Mark Ranch in Grand View, offered Roger a job after the family came west for a vacation. In 1973, Roger found himself in a saddle, running 250 of Walt's cows.

In 1976, Roger and his eldest son, Allen, started building houses in Mountain Home. In 1980, Roger and Walt partnered up in a seasonal landscaping business. During that time, Dick Reynolds, a life-long friend, and Roger ventured into the bean-packing business. Dick and Roger also joined Chuck Erikson in a Nevada gold mine adventure.

At the age of 50, Roger took up scuba diving with son Jack. Diving took Roger and Jane to many beautiful places and got Roger interested in boat building in Florida. Roger and Jane spent a couple of winters working on a luxury catamaran set up especially for diving.

Once home, Roger and family started another business diving and repairing submerged pumps.

In 1990, Roger joined the Owyhee Country Sheriff's Posse and also completed the Level One Reserve Officer training at Post Academy. He was active in both Owyhee and Elmore County Sheriff's Reserves.

In 2004, Roger's dive instructor and boat building buddy, Randy Miller, asked Roger to come to Costa Rica to help clear ground and help develop eco-rentals for the tourists. Roger and Jane made several trips south over the years and left their mark on Finca Lagunas.

Now Roger is on the biggest journey. He is greatly missed, but we are consoled that he lived well and died well.

Roger is survived by his wife, Jane; children, James Allen Long (Debbie), Jack Lloyd Long (Sherri Rudai) and Michelle Sweet (Bill Sweet); grandchildren, Jack Daniel Long (Trisha), Brandi Jo Kramer (Andrew), Jay Allen Long (Karlee); and great granddaughter Emily Jane Long.

Memorial services will be held at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home, on Friday, June 10, 2016, at 2 p.m. Dessert reception and sharing to follow at AJ's Restaurant in Mountain Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Owyhee County Sheriff's Posse in care of Owyhee County Sheriff, P.O. Box 128, Murphy, ID 83650.