Earl Wayne Long, 78, of Hot Springs, SD, went home to the Lord February 26, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Earl, son of Oval Raymond "Pappy" and Lucille (Cope) Long, was born in Hot Springs, SD. Earl was the youngest of three children, having an older bother Ralph "Chub" Long and older sister Ethel Long. The three rode horse back and forth to Lithia for grade school. Upon Lithia's closure they attended school in Hot Springs.

On September 27, 1950 he married Shirley Bourcy in Helena, Montana. Together they purchased the "Long homestead" and began ranching. He was also a district manager for Moormon Feed Company and operated Long's Resort and Summer Sun Resort at Angostura Dam. Despite always working hard to succeed, Earl loved to ride his four-wheeler, watch a good John Wayne movie and enjoy one of his legendary chocolate malts (preferably with the grandkids).


Earl is preceded in death by his parents; Oval Raymond "Pappy" Long and Lucille Long, his sister; Ethel Long, his wife, Shirley and son David.

He is survived by his four daughters, Lynda (Rob) Davis of Hot Springs; Diann Long of Aurora, SD; Vicky (Dean) Smith of Aurora, CO; Brenda Long Chaffin of Hot Springs; brother, Ralph "Chub" Long of Hot Springs; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 1, 2010, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills with Pastor Peter Dahlberg officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs. An honorary luncheon will be served following the service at the Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs.

The family suggests that memorials in Earl's name be made to benefit the American Cancer Society in memory of Shirley Long.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.