ELNORA — Oral “Johnny” Long, 91, passed away Monday at his home in Elnora with his family at his bedside. He was born Oct. 12, 1917, to George and Tena Long who preceded him in death.
Mr. Long was a lifelong resident of Elnora and a well-known farmer. He was best known for his outstanding herd of purebred Duroc hogs. For many years he had the top Duroc herd in the nation. He showed hogs at most Midwest state fairs and many national shows where he won numerous championships, including grand champion boar of the nation two years and grand champion boar of the National Barrow show.
For several years he held Duroc auctions at his farm where buyers came from several different nations to buy some of his prized breeding stock. His livestock found their way to most states in the U.S. and many foreign countries, including San Salvador, China, Japan, Canada and Mexico. His most significant fall production sale was in 1979 which grossed $80,000 and was absolutely unheard of at that time.
Mr. Long always purchased superior breeding stock to upgrade his herd, paying $31,000 for a boar in 1974 which was a record at that time.
Johnny served on the Board of Directors of the United Duroc Swine Registry for several years, serving as president for two years. He was instrumental in the breed’s progress and growth through the 1960s and early 70s.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and served in Germany through most of his service in World War II, earning three Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman badge.
After retirement, he enjoyed his time fishing in Louisiana, Canada and in his private lake near his home. He was also an avid IU and Pacer basketball fan.
He was a member of the Mud Pike United Brethren Church for many years until its closing, then of the Plainville Christian Church where he was a deacon. He was presently a member of the Elnora Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Long; two daughters, Linda and Gene Schulstad of Indianapolis and Ann and Brian Hine of Greenwood; one son, Johnny Marvin and Judy Long of Elnora; one stepdaughter, Kristine Nott of Chandler; one brother, Cleatus Long of Elnora; nine grandchildren, Duane, Tammy, Tara, Kelli, Wendy, Mark, Marty, Maddie and Cade; eight great-grandchildren, Paige, Blane, Duane Edward, Dakota, Dylan, John, Colin and Kendall; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters, and one son, Robert Keith Long, who tragically passed at the age of 15.
The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Elnora Christian Church. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Elnora.
Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Poindexter-Hall and McClure Funeral Home, Odon Chapel.
(June 29, 2009)
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Oral Long
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Oral “Johnny” Long
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