Jerry Wallace Long

Jerry Wallace Long, 76, of Salida, Co., died July 6, 207 at his home after a battle with esophageal cancer, with family and friends at his side.

He was born Oct. 31, 1940, in Bloomsburg, a son of the late George Henry and Katherine Dolores (Mattern) Long.

In 1959 he graduated from Southern Area Joint High School in Numidia, Pa, and then completed a two-year degree in automotive mechanics through Williamsport Community College.

On Feb. 15, 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serviced in Vietnam, Germany and several stateside facilities. He retired from the Air Force Oct. 1, 1985, having achieved the rank of chief master sergeant.

He married Myrtice A. (Willingham) Simon in 1975.

They moved to Salida soon after his military retirement and enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, and hunting together until her death in July 2016.

Mr. Long was an expert mechanic, using his skills first in the military and then in his own business, J&M Automotive in Salida. He also worked for more then 30 years with the Salida School District, driving and maintain school buses.

Mr. Long was a Master Mason, a decorated member of the Scottish Rite and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He was a past president of the Mon-Ark Shrine Club of Salida and a member of the Al Kaly Shriners of Pueblo.

An accomplished cook, he also spearheaded the free Christmas dinner for the Salida United Methodist Church for many years.

Mr. Long was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.

Survivors include his stepdaughter, Delaine E. Simon; step-granddaughter, Simone S. McGinnis; sister, Kathleen Skiendzielewski; nephew, Nathaniel S. Holdren; niece Kelly Fox; cousin, who he said was like a sister, Molly Ann (William) Criswell; and many other family and friends.

Masonic services will be held Saturday July 29, 2017 at 11:00 am at Grace United Church of Christ, 1 Pension St., Catawissa with Elysburg Masonic Lodge 349. The memorial service will follow with Pastor David Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Grace UCC Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service.

Family and friends may send online condolences to allenrhornefuneralhome.com. The Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Catawissa is handling arrangements.

 Service Information