Wayne Long, 75

Wayne C. Long, 75, of South Bend, Ind., passed away at his home on Thursday, July 22, 2010.

Wayne was born on March 23, 1935, to the late Edward and Edna (Crain) Long in Sturgis, Mich. He was one of six children in the Long household.

After graduating from Sturgis High School in 1953 Wayne served in the United States Army and continued to serve in the reserves until 1962. After serving in the Korean War, Wayne came back stateside, wed the love of his life, Helen Sorrell at a ceremony in LaGrange, Indiana on March 2, 1957 and joined the Michigan State Police Force on March 3, 1957. He retired after 25 years of service to his community. Wayne and Helen were “snowbirds”, traveling from Michigan to Texas every winter and continued to do so even after Helen passed in 2003 including even going this past winter. During all of their long commutes to Texas Wayne and Helen made it a point to map out their trip to stop at as many casinos as possible on their long trip, even stopping in Las Vegas and Louisiana on their way to Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen Long and siblings Benny Long, Jack Long, and Jean Franks.

Wayne is survived by his children, Sherri (John)Harper of South Bend, Ind., Andrew Long of South Bend, Ind., and Connie (Larry) Washington of Gonzales, Texas; brother Terry Long of Winterhaven, Floa., and sister Susanna Jent of Howe, Ind.

Wayne has been cremated and the family will be having a Celebration of Life Open House at the F.O.P Lodge 95 in Niles on Monday, July 26, 2010 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.and then they will head to Marion, Arkansas where he will be interred next to his wife at the Crittenden County Cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the American Cancer Society or the Center for Hospice.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.