Dr. Merle Ray Long passed away September 2, 2023. He was born March 2, 1931 in Coffeyville, KS to Charles and Grace Long.
Merle married the love of his life, Wanda Fenton on August 18th, 1951, and raised four children. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage.
His educational achievements include: graduating Field Kindley Memorial High School lettering in football and track in Coffeyville, KS, 1949. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Coffeyville College in 1951. He went on to Southwestern College in OKC to earned a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1955. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from OCU in 1956. He earned a Master of Education at OU in 1971. His final degree was earning his Doctor of Education degree in Higher Learning and Administration from OU in 1979.
Merle’s Professional work history includes; Chance Vought Aircraft as a Technical Writer in Ft. Worth, TX; Standard Oil of Indiana as a Draftsman in Tulsa, OK; General Dynamics as an Engineering Writer in Ft. Worth, TX; Southwestern College in OKC as a Professor, Dean of Administration and Executive Vice President; OSU Tech/ OKC as a Professor and Director of Learning Resources and over the Deaf Program; and finished his 50 year work career at Rose State College as the Director of Auxiliary Services in Midwest City. During his ministry service, Merle was a gifted speaker and served for 10 years as the Superintendent of the East Texas Conference in the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He spent over 24 years in ministry and pastoring and enjoyed his trip to the Holy Land of Israel.
Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Long, parents; sisters; and brothers.
He is survived by his children; Steve Long (Kathy) McLoud, OK, Phil Long (Donna) Earlsboro, OK, Karen Nail (David) Flower Mound, TX and Michael Long Mustang, OK; grandchildren: Stephanie Litherland (Eric) Shawnee, OK, Zakary Long (Julieta) Nokomis, FL, Phil Long Jr. (Tyler Palmore) Frisco, TX, Dr. Terry Long (Joyce), Hamptonville, NC, Chris Nail Denver, CO, Aaron Nail (Emma) Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX, Dylan Long Midwest City; Niece Janis Miller, Bethany, MO, and 12 Great Grandchildren.
Services were held September 9, 2023 at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801.
