William J. Long

William “Bill” J. Long, 96, of Goshen passed peacefully 3:30 A.M Saturday morning, January 4, 2025 at Waterford Crossing in Goshen Indiana.

He was born March 4, 1928 in Goshen to William and Hazel (Edson) Long.  On November 8, 1945, he married Mary Lucille Kenega of Goshen. She preceded him in death May 17, 2023.

Surviving are his children, Patricia (James) Mote of Union City, Indiana, and James (Cherrill) Long of Goshen; step-grandchild, Ellen Bunker of Sidney, Ohio; grandchildren, Jessica Lincicome of Wichita, Kansas, and Betsey Graber of Goshen; 4 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Bill enjoyed people.  He graduated from Goshen High School where he participated in football and track. His quote from the 1946 yearbook was, “I just want to make people happy.” In his later years he loved to tell stories recounting the past.

Bill was a member of The Rotary Club of Goshen, a 32 Degree Mason, a member of the Shriners, and a well-spoken member of the Royal Order of Jesters.  He was a charter member of the Maple Crest Country Club where he participated in Monday Night League. Bill had a private pilot license and enjoyed flying.

He started in business selling insurance with his father-in-law, Roy Kenaga.  Later he became a regional representative for National Homes of Lafayette Indiana. He was developer of the neighborhoods of Crest Acres in West Goshen and Rogers Heights in Millersburg. He was the owner of Bill Long and Associates Century 21.

He was a director and later chairman of the Indiana Board of Realtors. He received the “Saginaw of the Wabash Award” for his service to the State of Indiana.  He and “Lucy” were members of Goshen City Church of the Brethren.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 Main Street in Goshen, where a 10 a.m. Monday, January 13, funeral service is scheduled.

Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorial donations may be directed to Goshen Rotary.