David L. Long

David “Broom” Long

July 27, 1949 – November 30, 2021

   David Leroy Long, 72, of Deshler, Ohio passed away Tuesday evening, November 30, 2021 at the Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay, Ohio.

   He was born July 27, 1949 in Grand Rapids, Ohio to the late Bernard and Elizabeth (Ryerson) Long.  On November 24, 1979 he married Anita (Brooks) Long and they recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary.

   As a young boy, Dave began working for Freeworth Farms in rural Grand Rapids.  He would milk cows before and after school with a promise from Mr. Freeworth that when he turned 16; he would buy him his first car.  He worked relentlessly around that farm and learned many skills, even how to illegally drive the backroads.  When he turned 16, Mr. Freeworth kept his promise and Dave got his first of many Ford automobiles.  When high school approached, he attended Penta Trade School in their welding program.  Here he became a very gifted welder and after graduating, he worked for his brother Carl in his welding shop.  Dave never quite turned away from the farm and was a sought after truck driver for many of the local farmers.

   Eventually he took a job as a truck driver with William F. Hoops, Inc of Deshler, Ohio.  Over the next 35 plus years, he spent his days accumulating miles and often having a hard time controlling the weight of the load.  He pushed the limits on his loaded weight and paid a few fines, but the trailer always made it to its destination.  He became known as “Broom” because if he wasn’t in the truck, he was helping his friend and owner, Robert Hoops, in the shop as a mechanic.  He always felt if he was good enough to drive, he was also good enough to sweep the floors.  After the closing of William F. Hoops, Inc., “Broom” went to work for the former Deshler Farmers Elevator and currently Legacy, Inc. and continued to drive until his health took the keys away.  

   When Dave wasn’t driving, he wanted to mow lawn.  He loved John Deere mowers and the toy collectibles.  He would often mow grass for free, just so he could be on the mower.  He also enjoyed collecting belt buckles.  He will forever be a truck driving farm-boy at heart who loved and cared for his family.  He was particularly grateful for his loving grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

   He is survived by his loving wife, Anita; daughters, Staci (Michael) Challen; Tracey Phillips; and 5 grandchildren, Kyle Challen; Michala Challen (Jeremy Hughes); Brooke Phillips (David Winkler); Torey Schooner (Brandan Lauffer); Tristen Schooner; and 3 great grandchildren, Zane; Adam and Jaxtyn.

   He was also preceded in death by his 8 siblings, Carl Long; Jeanee Rasey; Dick Long; Brian Long; Gary Long; Danny Long, Fred Long and Terrence Long.

   A memorial gathering will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, Ohio.

   Memorials are suggested to the family’s wishes.

   Messages and memories can be left at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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