Richard Russel Long, 93, of Lebanon PA, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, in his daughter’s home, Chester Springs, PA.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1930, to the late Russel Long and Caroline Long nee Nagle in Myerstown, PA.

Richard graduated from Myerstown High School and attended Temple University. He served four years in the United States Navy as a Fleet Marine Corpsman during the Korean War. He was also one of the “atomic marines” entrenched 2.3 miles from the atomic bomb detonation in Yucca Flats, NV, in 1953.

He was employed by RCA/General Electric for 25 years and VA Medical Center pharmacy for eight years. Richard was dedicated to the service of others through his affiliations in many organizations.

After retiring, he continued to volunteer at the VAMC, where he amassed more than 5,800 service hours. Masonic affiliations included Mount Lodge No. 226, where he served as Chaplain, Knights Templar Hermit Commandery No. 24, where he served as Prelate and Prelate Emeritus, Weidle Royal Arch Chapter No. 197, and Royal and Select Master Masons Lebanon Council No. 27. In addition, he was a member of Tall Cedars, Quittapahilla Forest No. 25, Scottish Rite: Valley of Harrisburg and Rajah Shrine, Reading. Elks affiliations include Lebanon Elk Lodge No. 631, where he served as Past Exalted Ruler and Chaplain, Vice Chairman of the Veterans Committee of PA Elks, and member of the Elks National Veterans Committee. Richard was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, where he served as past president, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Lebanon Marine Corp League No. 545, Navy Club Ship No. 91, where he served as past commander, Military Order of the Devil Dogs No. 031, Governor Heister Lodge, where he served as past president, American Legion, Mt Gretna United Methodist Church, and the Pennsylvania German Society. In 2004, Richard published a book, Dearest Carrie, which is a non-fiction Civil War romance about his great-grandmother.

Richard was married for 65 years to his now-deceased wife, Barbara Long. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Evans, and her husband, Steven Evans; grandchildren, Jason Evans, Caroline Byars, Alexander Evans, and Emily Evans; and great-grandchildren, Frances Byars, Theo Evans, and Russell Byars. He is beloved by his family and will be missed very much.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, from 10-11 a.m., at Christman’s Funeral Home, Inc., 226 Cumberland St., Lebanon. Elks and Masonic services will begin at 11 a.m., and funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m.