Merlin Ray Long

Merlin Ray Long of Tyler, Texas passed peacefully from this world to his heavenly reward on Thursday, May 26, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years, Capie; daughters, Cynthia Overbeck, husband Ron of Effingham, IL. Carrie Rutherford, husband Rev. Craig of Roanoke, VA. and Connie Long of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren, Stephanie and husband Scott Kaufmann of Effingham, IL, Kaci Overbeck of Ramsey, IL. and Conner Rutherford of Roanoke, VA. Mr. Long is preceded in death by his father, Eluid Long, mother, Aletha Long, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jo and Paul Arthur. Merlin grew up in the oil fields of Seminole, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University, receiving a certificate for Mathematics for Engineering by Correspondence and he began his career with Mid-Continent Supply Co. in Casper, WY. He worked with Humble Oil which later became Exxon-Mobil as an engineer technician/production. He worked in many locations for Exxon including: St. Elmo IL, Henderson KY, Evansville IN, Effingham IL, Oklahoma City, OK, and Tyler TX. He retired from Exxon with many years of service. He was a member of the Exxon-Mobil Annuitant Club and served as president. After his retirement from Exxon, he worked for Nu Tech Inc. in Tyler. He delivered for Meals on Wheels. Merlin loved to travel to see his three daughters and their families; he loved fishing, camping, bird watching, music, bridge and he was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Merlin was a lifetime Christian excepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was a faithful member and Elder of the First Christian Church Tyler, Texas. Along with his wife, he served as “Evangelism Chair”, “Chairman of the Board”, and many other areas of the church calling on many of the sick and those in the hospital. Services for Merlin will be held this Saturday, May 28, 2016 at First Christian Church in Tyler beginning at 2:00 PM. Rev. Chris Pulliam will officiate. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM, with a reception following the service under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 beginning at 11:00 AM at Union Cemetery, Altamont, IL., with Rev. Craig Rutherford officiating. Memorials in lieu of flowers can be sent to either First Christian Church Tyler, 4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, 75701 or The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701. The Family would like to express our thanks to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff that helped Merlin along the way.

Merlin Ray Long

September 25, 1936 - May 26, 2016