Buddy Lee Long

Buddy Lee Long, 89, Bona, Missouri, was called to his heavenly home on Monday, January 20, 2025, just shy of his 90th birthday. He was born at home, in Bona, Missouri, on January 28, 1935, to George Lester “Jimmy” and Dona Lee Humbert Long.

Bud attended Dadeville R-II School and graduated as a member of the Class of 1953. Three years later, on October 24, 1956, he wed Mary Catherine Thompson, of Stockton - a marriage that would last more than 62 years. To this union, three sons were born: Buddy Russ, Ronn Lee, and Ryan Lynn.

Throughout his lifetime, Bud faithfully attended the Bona Church of Christ where he enjoyed fellowship with life-long friends and neighbors.  At the age of 14, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized on October 15, 1949. 

The oldest of four, Bud grew up with his parents and younger brothers, Joe, John and Tom.  They lived in close proximity to a large family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. These extended Long and Humbert families played an important role in his life as a boy growing up and as an adult. He often recalled fond memories of their big Sunday afternoon get-togethers and many entertaining adventures. 

After their “I do’s”, Bud and Mary settled in a little white house just up the road from his childhood home where they raised three sons on their farm. It was there they stayed and faced the world together for more than 62 years. It was there they created a special place for future generations to live, gather, and make memories of their own until Mary’s passing in 2019. Bud made Bona his home for nearly 90 years.

In November of 1952, Bud joined the Missouri National Guard during his senior year of high school. He spent seven and a half years in service to our country. His honorable discharge became official in February, 1961.

Bud developed a love of rural life and farming from an early age and became a respected cattleman in the surrounding area. He was known far and wide for his custom cattle hauling business. For nearly 60 years, he made hundreds, if not thousands, of trips to area stockyards for countless customers. He was well into his 80’s when he hauled his last load of cattle for a neighbor. 

Bud was a successful farmer who enjoyed raising beef cattle, planting and harvesting wheat, milo and corn, working in his shop, cutting firewood, and putting up hay every summer – including this past season. He passed his family’s love of agriculture down to at least two more generations of Longs.

Bud was independent, hard-working, honest and dependable. He chose a simple life on the farm that some might think ordinary, but to him it was fulfilling, and he lived life on his own terms. Additionally, he might have been known to be a little (or very) onery at times, but he also had a laid-back, good nature about him and didn’t let much get the best of him. He enjoyed the many times over the years spent at Humbert’s Store and McGill’s Garage where he engaged with friends and neighbors in the local give-and-take banter that solved the problems of the day. (There might have even been a few facts thrown in along the way.) Bud lived a good long life. He was one of a kind.

Over the years, and as the family grew, he especially loved his role as Papa Bud, first to three granddaughters, then to six grandsons – eagerly following their many activities with Grandma Mary by his side. Basketball games, car races, birthday parties, trips to the pond or lake, and holidays were some of the many events he enjoyed because they all centered around the people he loved. And if there was a meal involved, it was an added bonus.

Bud had a playful side with the grandchildren and often razzed the daughters-in-law and grand-daughters-in-law, all in good fun.  He was always excited to welcome the newest members of the family, whether it be by marriage or a newborn baby. He was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and, most recently, a great-great grandfather – the head of a five-generation legacy.

Papa Bud, as he was called by most everyone in the family, holds a special place in our hearts and will be greatly missed. We rejoice knowing that he will greet us all in Heaven one day and is reunited with his Mary that he had missed so much.

Family members preceding him in death were his wife, Mary; parents Jimmy and Dona; brothers Tom and John Long; sister-in-law, Sharon Long; and nephew Jeremy Long.

Survivors include his three sons and daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren and four spouses, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild: Russ and wife, Beth of Lockwood; Ronn and wife, Karen of Wishart; and Ryan and wife, Lori of Aldrich; grandchildren: Erica Long; Andy and Rusta Morrow; Rachel Long; Rylan and Lexi Long; Dustin Dickerson; Kyle and Lauren Long; Wyatt Long; Clay and Faith Long; and Cole Long; great-grandchildren: Taylar, Josie, Kohlton, and Rory Morrow; Casen Long; and Conan Long; and great-great grandson Wylder Simpson. 

Bud is also survived by a brother, Joe Long of Aldrich; sisters-in-law Judy Long, Anita Long Seymour, and (Mary’s sister) Kay Daneshfar; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation was held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Bona Church of Christ at 1 p.m., with services following at 2:30 p.m.  Minister Cory Orr officiated. 

Burial followed at the Bona Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home in Strafford, Missouri. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. 

Services were under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.