Donald E. Longfellow, Sr.

Donald Eugene Longfellow, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully Monday, July 12, 2010 at his residence.


He was born December 8, 1924 in Fountain City, the son of the Fred and Tacy Powell Longfellow. He joined the US Marine Corps on his 17th birthday, the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked. He served the duration of World War Two in the Pacific Theatre fighting from island to island toward victory and was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Sergeant.


Mr. Longfellow married the former Willia Mae Heigle on December 30, 1954. They shared 40 years of marriage and raised 5 sons before her death on May 26, 1995.


He was employed by AVCO for 26 years before retiring. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, gardening and playing cards. He was a member and past officer of the Richmond Conservation Club. Above all, Mr. Longfellow was a very patriotic American and proud Marine. He was an active member of the Marine Corps League-Whitewater Valley Detachment.


Mr. Longfellow will be missed by his sons, Donald Longfellow Jr., Richmond; Robbie Longfellow, Orlando, Florida; Jeff Longfellow and Tim Longfellow, both of Richmond; and Joe Longfellow, Fountain City; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Phyllis Baldschun and Doris Brandon, both of Greenville, Ohio; 1 brother, Maurice Longfellow, Greenville, Ohio, several nieces, nephews and cousins.


Mr. Longfellow was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters, Pauline Lacey, Ilene Cotter and Cleona Willis; brothers, Wilson Longfellow, Kenneth Powell, Robert Longfellow, Howard Pursley and Everett Longfellow.


Mr. Longfellow's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 16, at the Smith & McQuiston Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. Interment with full military rites will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery.


Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, at the funeral home.


Memorial contributions are encouraged for the Marine Corps League Toys 4 Tots, 200 South 9th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374.