Ralph E. "Chub" Long, age 86, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away September 1, 2014, at the Pine Hills Retirement Community in Hot Springs.

Chub was born, August 3, 1928, to O.R. "Pappy" and Martha Lucille (Cope) Long at the Sister's Hospital in Hot Springs. He grew up on Horsehead Creek, which eventually became Angostura Reservoir. Chub joined the U.S. Army on December 8, 1950, and was honorably discharged on December 8, 1952. He served with the Service Company 503rd Airborne Infantry Regime as a paratrooper. While stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, Chub met the love of his life, Wanda Faye Lynch. After a six week courtship, they were married on November 25, 1952, in Fort Payne, AL. They were married 48 years until Wanda's passing on December 5, 2000.

During his life, Chub worked as an over the road truck driver, mechanic, maintenance at the State Veterans Home, for Randy Schur at Bison Motors and ended his career as a groundkeeper for the City of Hot Springs at the age of 82.

Chub was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed helping with the American Legion Baseball, hunting, bowling, dancing and driving his Lincoln Continentals. He also loved his football, especially the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Denver Broncos.

He is survived by his five children, Sandy (Ralph) Kruse of Hill City, SD; Judy Long, Angie Long and Becky Eckholt of Hot Springs and Michael (Jan) Long of Torrington, WY; eight grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren with another due in February.

Chub is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda; parents; sister, Ethel; brother, Earl; son-in-law, Jeff Eckholt; great granddaughter, Madyson and his beloved dog "Boots".

A time of memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2014, at Becky's home, 502 N. 25th Street, Hot Springs.

Memorials in Chub's name have been established to benefit the American Legion Rider or the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department.