Laddie F. Long passed away on April 17, 2014.He was born on April 4, 1926 to Fred and Flossie Long in Wright City, OK, the second of three sons. He moved at an early age to Barstow, TX, where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1943. Shortly after finishing high school he entered the U.S. Navy flight training program and served in the Pacific area as pilot of a patrol bomber. Upon the discharge from the Navy in 1949, he attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1952.He worked for several oil companies as an exploration geologist in the Panhandle, West Texas, New Mexico and East Texas before accepting a position with the University of Texas Lands, Midland office. He retired in 1986 as Manager of Oil and Gas after 22 years in service.He married his high school and lifelong sweetheart, Faye Echols, in 1946. Four sons were born to this union.He was a long time member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, West Texas Geological Society and the Presbyterian Church which he served as deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed bird hunting and fishing; especially in the streams and lakes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He took great pleasure in attending Navy and squadron reunions, renewing old friendships from the service years.He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Faye Long and four sons: Stephen Long of Taos, NM; Michael Long and wife Dee of Colorado Springs, CO; David Long and wife Martha of Terlingua, TX; Kevin Long of Marfa, TX; three grandsons: Lance Keith and wife Maggie of Comanche, TX; Dustin Polk and wife Sara of Artesia, NM; Samuel Long and granddaughter, Anna Long of Colorado Springs, CO, and four great grandchildren: Rylie, Laddie, Tinsey, and Ayden. Laddie is also survived by his sister-in-law, JoeAnn Long of El Cajon, CA and many nieces and nephews.Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Steve Schorr officiating.The family would like to thank Laura Serrano for the devotion and care that she has provided the last five years.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas Ave., Midland, TX, 79701; St. Andrews Mission, 1708 N. Ft. Worth St., Midland, TX, 79701; or Hospice Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, TX, 79702.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made to www.npwelch.com.,
