MILFORD – Robert Lynn Long, age 82, of Milford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Nov. 5, 2024, at 1:45 p.m.
Known to many as “Mitter,” he was born at home on July, 30, 1942, the son of Ralph and Aleta Hight Long in Etna Green. On Aug. 4, 1973, he married Juday Hoopes at the Church of Christ in Etna Green.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Juday Long, of Milford; three sons: Bob (Colette) Sylvester, of Syracuse; Jeff (Joni) Long, of Elkhart; and Spencer (Alicia) Long, of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandchildren: Joshua (Theresa) Long, of Goshen; Jordan (Kirsten) Long, of Milan, Mich.; Drew (Julia) Sylvester, of Michigan City; Jared Long, of Chicago; and Tori (Aaron) Nygaard, of Fort Myers, Fla.; and great-grandchildren: Elliet Long, Jamisen Long and Adrienne Long; and a brother, Larry (Mary Ellen) Long, of Warsaw.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters: Barbara McQuinn, LuAnn Wiseman and Linda Flenar.
He graduated from Mentone High School, where he excelled at basketball. In 2013, he was inducted into the Kosciusko County Basketball Hall of Fame. He graduated from Manchester College with a Bachelor of Science in Science and Physical Education and went on to obtain a master’s degree from St. Frances in Fort Wayne.
Bob retired from teaching at Milford Elementary and Jr. High in 2006. He taught science, health and P.E. and was a beloved teacher, mentor and coach in the Milford community for over 40 years. In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening and going to school sporting events.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Bob’s life from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday, Nov. 15 at Mishler Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 461 W. CR 900N, Milford. A private family committal will take place the following day at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Stillwater Hospice, Attn. Development - 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.misherfhcc.com.