Leonard Gene Longer

Leonard Gene Longer, of Thornton, Texas (Lake Limestone) went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at the age of 84.

Leonard was born on May 31, 1938, to Frank Longer and Mabel Sue (Bryant) Longer in Galveston, Texas. He attended Holy Name Grade School, and St. Thomas Catholic High School, where he played football, and then the University of Houston.

He was a proud member of the U.S. Navy Submarine Division, where he served for twelve years. Leonard met the love of his life, his school sweetheart, Betty Jane Stepanski, and they were married in August 1957. They had four children, Sherri, Terry, Larry and Shelli.

After the passing of his wife, he moved to Lake Limestone. He loved the country life, along with hunting and fishing. Leonard loved to bar-b-que for family and friends. His ribs, brisket and chicken marinated with his secret sauce were always a hit with everyone. He enjoyed a good John Wayne movie, Elvis, playing dominoes and putting puzzles together.

He was a lifelong Member of the Knights of Columbus Counsel 2917, and he served as a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Committeeman. His love of God and faith were unwavering during his lifetime, and he was a devout member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty; daughter Shelli Longer Wyrick; and brothers Leo Longer and John Longer.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherri Miller and husband Bill; son, Terry Longer and wife Etta; son, Larry Longer and wife Lynda; brother, Thomas Longer and wife, Anne Marie; brother, Wayne Longer and wife, Carol; and a sister, Mary Arfele. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandkids, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Rosary was recited on Sunday, January 8, 2023, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel by his youngest brother, Wayne Longer and wife, Carol, and visitation Sunday afternoon.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 9, 2023, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Tracy Sims officiating. Burial was later Monday afternoon in the Earthman Resthaven Cemetery at Houston, Texas, with Deacon Jack Alexander of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church of Houston officiating at the graveside.

Pallbearers were Jason Longer, Josh Longer, Brandon Longer, Cameron Longer, Rhys Miller, Cole Miller, Kyle Miller, Ricky Stewart, Robert Joseph Wyrick, and Gregory Wyrick.

Visit www. groesbeckfuneralhome. com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.