Garlon "Pete" Long

Garlon "Pete" Long, 82, of LaPlata, New Mexico passed away Saturday, October 26, 2013 in Queen Creek, Arizona where he was living and being lovingly cared for by his granddaughter Amanda, Aaron and Emily Mauer. Pete was born September 25, 1931 in Haskell, Texas the son of Francis Marion Long and Dora May Long. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, his bride of 58 years Betty Ann Rogers Long, great- granddaughter Marissa Kay Maurer and great grandchild Bailey Shorter. Pete and Betty had 5 children: Patricia Long Sword (Steve), Robert (Juandell) Long, Bill (Loydeen) Long, Marilyn Long Shorter (Ronnie), Cherilyn Long Kennedy (Steve), adopted daughter Natalie Long Hubbard (Jonathon), 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and many dear friends. Pete is also survived by two sisters and two brothers Ruby Grover and Clara Long; Samuel Richard Long and Larry Long. Pete had a hard life. Working in cotton patches, where he met the love of his life Betty. He farmed for Glenn and Maggie Merchant in Haskell, Texas. At 13, he quit school (Paint Creek, Texas) left home and went to work in the oilfield for Hack Drilling. He and Betty moved to Farmington where he worked for Great Western. Pete also worked for Loffland Brothers as a drilling superintendent, and then started his own company L.L.L. Drilling. Pete had a strong work ethic and captivating blue eyes. Pete enjoyed taking his dogs for long walks on LaPlata Highway where he enjoyed waving at everyone. Pete loved his family, horses and guns. His absence from this earth will be felt more than words can express. Pete will be deeply missed. Visitation for Pete will be Monday, November 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St. Graveside services will follow at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington with Pastor Jim North officiating. Pallbearers are Floyd Sword, Marty Long, Kenneth Sword, Roger Long, Donnie Shorter, Samuel Andrew, Jr., and Aaron Maurer. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Special thank you to Hospice Family Care, Inc. of Gilbert, Arizona, Dr. Dinsdale, Michael, Marsha, Chris, Lisa, Central Christian Church of Queen Creek, Pastor Aaron Pennington and friends and family that brought in food. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Pete's memory to Four Corner's Equine Rescue, 22 Road 3334, Aztec, New Mexico 87410. Pete's services are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St. in Farmington, (505) 325-8688.