John R. "Toad" Long

John R. “Toad” Long (May 16, 1945) rounded third and made his final slide home on Thursday, August 19, 2010. Born in Toledo, he joined his parents, Jesse R. and Cerelda “Betty” Long, mother-in-law Martha MacDonald and sister-in-law Ginger M. Long who have already crossed that plate. John was an avid baseball fan. He loved the Detroit Tigers (win or lose) and The Green Bay Packers (ditto). Learning to move forward without him are his wife of 40 years, Melody; sons: Aaron of Delaware, OH and Major Jesse and wife Major Valarie Long; brothers: Gary (Lynne) Long of Toledo and Willis F. Long of Madison, WI; many beloved nieces and nephews; and special friends Mike and Donna Sue Froman. John graduated from the University of Toledo in ’67 with a Bach. of Science degree and from the then just plain Ohio State with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. He was employed by GFS Chemicals, Inc. in Powell, OH from 1997. He loved his job and his co-workers who became his “family”. John sang with the Praise Team at Sawmill Baptist Church (where he was also an Elder) and played guitar or piano with them. He spoke to area groups about the Shroud of Turin. During his “glory years” John played softball with many teams, winning Player of the Year in 1977 in the NIST League in Gaithersburg, MD. John loved his Lord, his family, his kitties and had many special friends. You know who you are. Contributions in John’s memory may be made to HomeReach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43214 or a charity of your choice-or buy a ball and bat and teach a child to play the game. Toad says batting left-handed is the best! Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00pm. TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010 at SAWMILL BAPTIST CHURCH, 10635 Sawmill Road, Powell, Ohio 43065 with funeral services following at 7:00pm. with Pastor David W. Nuhfer, officiating. Graveside burial services will be held at 12:00 Noon Wednesday at Toledo Memorial Park, 6382 Monroe St., Sylvania, OH 43560. Arrangements by the Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com