d. October 30, 2021
Larry Max Long passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2021, in Indiana with his family by his side. During his illness, Larry remained ever optimistic with plans in the making, museums and aircraft carriers yet to visit, and life still to be lived.
Larry was born in Salem, Ohio, in 1938, the oldest of two children born to Margaret Israel and Eugene “Max” Long. Larry’s early years were actively spent in the tranquil town of Damascus, Ohio, helping his parents run their dairy store, playing baseball across the street, and perfecting the game of football. He attended a two-room schoolhouse behind his home in Damascus and later moved up the street to Alliance High School, where he was a star athlete. Larry was most proud of his high school football career, recounting games and plays with his high school teammates with remarkable clarity, even up to his last days. Larry was an outstanding player for the Alliance Aviators, becoming Lineman of the Year and High School All American in 1956. During this time, he was closely mentored by Alliance Aviator’s head coaches, Mel Knowlton and Julius “Juice” Tonges. He truly contributed to the powerhouse of high school football during the 1950s in the state of Ohio.
While he was highly sought after to join the football teams of major universities, including the University of Michigan and Georgia, Larry chose to stay in his home state and accepted a football scholarship at The Ohio State University in 1956. Due to football injuries, he turned his university focus to his studies, earning a Business degree at Ohio State. Larry specialized in Labor Relations, beginning at Firestone Tire and then on to Ford Motor Company, where he enjoyed a very long and successful career supporting plant operations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. He especially valued his professional relationships and took pride in his ability to navigate challenging labor relations issues with the unions, but even more so he cherished the friendships that he made along the way which lasted late into his life. He continued to connect with his buddies through his annual “Lima Lunch” outing.
Larry’s interests and desire to experience life ushered in an early retirement, where Larry was able to appreciate the fruits of his hard work with a long and active retirement at his Indiana and Florida residences, playing golf with his buddies and traveling around the country. Larry was a lover of all things western: John Wayne, western movies, rifles, and national parks west of the Mississippi. In recent years he traveled the country by road and river cruise, visiting many national parks, museums, and naval vessels.
Larry lived life on his terms, forever loyal to his friends and family. His legacy will live on through the many people he loved, shared experiences, and mentored.
Larry Max Long is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Long; children, Steve Long, Lori Tobin, and Lisa Margolis; daughter-in-law, Erin Cassidy Long; grandchildren, Lauren Thompson, Kelsey Tobin, Cassandra Van De Laarschot, and Dillon Dewey; great-grandchildren, Graham Thompson, Lucy Thompson, Conner Van De Laarschot and Jace Van De Laarschot; sisters-in-law, Judy Cannon and Connie Cannon; brother-in-law, Chuck Cannon; and stepson, Bob Dewey.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Sutherin.
A visitation and funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 4 at Randall and Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, Noblesville, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and services beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Hamilton Memorial Park, 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield.
Condolences: randallroberts.com