Charles Newton Long

Charles Newton Long, 82, passed away on December 14, 2023 at Parkview Care Facility in Bolivar, MO surrounded by his family. He was born December 27, 1940 in Willow Springs, Missouri to Paul Vernon Long and Willa Jean Gann Long. Charles was named after his grandfather, Franklin Newton Gann. Charlie was in the Air Force Reserves at Richards-Gebaur Airport in the 1960s and achieved the rank of Sergent. He attended college at Southwest Baptist College, Drury College and UMKC. Charlie was united in marriage on October 10, 1965 to Sharon Kay Hines. Charlie worked at his family business, Long’s Bolivar Hardware then years later Charlie and Kay established the business, Kay Long Interiors. Charlie’s retirement job was working with his son at The Paul Long Agency later transitioning to Ollis/Akers/Arney insurance company. Charlie was a 2nd generation Bolivar Rotary Club and Bolivar Chamber of Commerce president, he participated in Bolivar City Council, was a Free Mason and a Shriner. All who knew Charlie were aware of his life-long love of Music. He started piano lessons at an early age and his mother, Willa Jean Long, played a major part in helping to cultivate his musical talents. He was an impressive piano player, singer, and trombone player. Charlie was a 1958 graduate of Bolivar High School. He played trombone in the school band and in a big band style group with his friends called the Bee Bops. Trombone became the family instrument as Tim, Paul, Blake, and Nick, all played it. In later years he devoted his trombone talents to community bands in Bolivar and Republic. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bolivar and enjoyed years of singing in the church choir and playing the trombone in the church orchestra. He is best-known for providing dinner music to banquets and special dinners. For years he enjoyed playing at Christmas parties for several different companies and organizations around southwest Missouri. Throughout his last year in and out of the hospital for his vascular condition he would sing to the doctors, nurses, and to his family and friends. Many people will remember his musical talents for years. He was preceded in death by his parents; Paul and Willa Jean Long, his in-laws; Bill and Hazel Hines, sister; Paula Jean Webb, sister-in-law; Dixie Jenkins, brothers-in-law; Jerry Webb and Bobbie Gothard. Charlie is survived by his devoted wife Kay Long, his daughter; Sharon Marie Muir and her husband Rob of Kansas City, Missouri, his son; Paul William Long and his wife Brenda of Bolivar, Missouri, sister; Linda Sue Gothard of Bolivar, Missouri, brother; Tim Long of Hollister, Missouri. Grandchildren; Blake Long (wife Abby), Nicholas Long (wife Allison), Kennadie Kay Long, and Robert Ethan Muir. 3 great-grandchildren; Henry Charles Long, James William Long and Autumn Saylor; brother-in-law; Robert (Lucky) Jenkins and goddaughter (niece) Robin Jenkins of Bolivar, Missouri and several nephews and nieces. Pallbearers will be Tim Long, Rob Muir, Blake Long, Nick Long, Ethan Muir, and John Best. Honorary pallbearers are Don Woods, Ben Franklin, Bill Mincks, Chuck Beers, Bill Jones, and Bill Bob Kallenbach. . Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO. Visitation will be held 10:00 - 11:00 AM Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Learn or to the Mt. Gilead Cemetery.

Charles Newton Long

December 27, 1940 - December 14, 2023