With deepest sympathy, we announce the passing of Dale Rhodes Long (89) of Urbana, Ohio, who passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Dale was born on January 17, 1936, in Xenia, Ohio, the son of Willard and Mabel Fawcett Long. He dedicated 44 years of service as a nursing home administrator at the former Greenwood Manor, and later at the Champaign County Home (Wellington Nursing Home of Urbana), where he retired in early 2000.

Dale was a wonderful man who gave both his professional commitment and his caring heart to his residents and employees. He also devoted 46 years to the Greene County and Champaign County Lions Clubs, serving in multiple roles, including Past President. Dale cherished the fellowship of the Lions Club—especially cooking sausage each year for the annual pancake breakfast and faithfully sitting out in the summer heat taking tickets at the Champaign County Fairgrounds, along with many other Lions Club events.

Dale was a remarkable man—a beloved spouse, father, brother, grandfather, a hero to many, and a friend to all.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Kay (Smith) Long; his brother Jerry (Pat) Long, his children, Sandy (Randy) Wimer, Carol (Paul) Gibson, Jim Long, and Donna (Randy) Brickey; his stepdaughters, Shelly (John) Altimus and Kim (Brent) Caroline; and his stepson, Randy (Amber) Stillings. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Aaron Evans (Erin, and great-granddaughter- Brooklyn), Jessica Wallen and great-granddaughter, Grace Wallen ("Punkin"), who held a very special place in his heart; , as well as Katie Urse (great-granddaughter-Cora), Kevin (Melony, great-grandson- Dexter) Wimer, Shawn Long (Becky); Reagan and Addy Stillings and Greg (Sharayah) Brickey (along with many other beloved great-grandchildren, family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jerelyn (Atkinson) Long; his second wife, Rosa (Young) Long, his sister, Terry Eakins; his brother, Roger (Joan) Long; and his close friends Bill Mills, Tom VanTress, and Don (Julia) Beam.

Dale will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia, Ohio, with services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Valley View Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Urbana Lions Club, P.O. Box 289, Urbana, OH 43078, or to Hospice of Dayton at 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420 in his memory or www.ohioshospice.org/give. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.