Kenneth D Long

Kenneth D. Long, 60, passed away at his home in Xenia, Ohio on March 1, 2017 following his battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Vicki, son Joshua and his wife Kristina, son Jason and his wife Jennifer, daughter Laura, brother Gary and his wife Lynn, & sister Becky and her husband Rodney. He was loved as Papaw by grandkids Jadden, Gavin, Anthony, Landon, Allison, Matthew, & Kalyn. He was also loved as Uncle Kenny by his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Joan Long of Xenia.

Ken was born on October 16, 1956. He was raised in Xenia where he and Vicki also raised their family. Ken was a 1975 graduate of Xenia High School. He married Vicki, the love of his life in 1977. A few short years later they would welcome their first children, twin boys to his surprise. A few more years later, Ken would welcome his daughter and princess into the world.

As a young man, he earned his Journeyman Card as a Mold Maker while working for Broadway Mold in Dayton, Ohio where he went on to hold many positions over the years on the shop floor, in engineering, and in management. Ken would later spend a few years at Chemineer in Dayton, before moving on to GE Aviation's Elano Division in Beavercreek, Ohio. Ken had a passion for metal working and enjoyed his career of 37 years. He was very proud to be in an engineer at GE, where he was loved and respected by his many friends and coworkers.

Ken's passion for the trades shined through at home too, as his family called him "Mr. Fix It" and he owned just about every tool for every job. He was the go-to-guy for advice and support for family and friends. He found joy in helping his kids and grandkids with their school projects and home improvements, from car repairs to building robots!

In his free-time Ken enjoyed many hobbies. As a young man he enjoyed photography and volunteering for a short time as Xenia Township Firefighter. Later in his life he found enjoyment as a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, holding the call sign W8KDL. He also loved camping and falling asleep to the sound of campfires. As an avid shooter, Ken was a member of the Greene County Fish & Game where he enjoyed the shooting ranges with his brother, sons, grandkids, and the GeaKs. Ken had an affection for 1950s Ford Trucks too.

Ken's greatest joy though, was being Papaw to his 7 grandkids. As babies, he would rock every one of them to sleep in his recliner. He enjoyed camping and shooting with the older ones, and listening to the younger ones tell stories as they sat on his lap.

Ken was a devoted husband, beloved father and papaw, and will be remembered the most by his family and friends for his caring and compassionate heart.

Services will be held on Monday March 6, 2017 at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio. Visitation will be from 12pm to 1:30pm, followed immediately by the funeral. Family and Friends are welcomed at both. In lieu of flowers, Ken would prefer donations be made to Xenia High School at 303 Kinsey Road Xenia, Ohio Care of the Project Lead the Way Robotics Program.

If you plan to attend his services, he would be the first to remind us to watch out for those intersections, bridges, and overpasses.