Joseph Long
Age - 38
November 28, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the untimely passing of a local legend, Joseph Dale Long, best simply known as "Joe" or "Joe Joe", who departed from this world far too soon on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the young age of 38. Joe was the biggest cheerleader and supporter of the entire Mount Gilead community, and he left an unforgettable mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. On October 26, 1985, Joe was born in Marion General Hospital in Marion, Ohio, the third of four children of Jack Dale and Doreen Kaye (Benedict) Long. He grew up in Mount Gilead, and graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the class of 2004. This is where Joe found and fostered his love for football and where he was inspired to become "Coach Joe". It didn't take long for Joe to find his soulmate and best friend, Sarah Ann Ernst. Joe and Sarah officially started dating their senior year, in November of 2003, and they quickly knew they were meant to be. Shortly after graduating, they were married on October 15, 2005, at First Baptist Church in Mount Gilead, Ohio. Joe loved Sarah so much, that he never wanted to leave her side. They did everything together. Joe and Sarah started out in a tiny apartment on Walnut street and with hard work and dedication, they became homeowners at the age of 20 and 21. Their family circle then grew with the addition of their wonderful children, Olivia (in 2007) and Wyatt (in 2009), who were his proudest achievements. Joe loved nothing more than to have lazy days at home with Sarah and the kids enjoying the life they had built. Shortly after high school, Joe began working at Strawser Construction Incorporated, where he did road construction. He made such an impact on those he worked with there, that even after many years later- his past coworkers still went out of their way to visit with him. That's just how Joe was- impactful. Joe also was well known for his big dreams and aspirations, and in February of 2019 he chased one of those dreams. One night he and a friend dreamed up the idea of creating a local sports bar in the town he loved, The Endzone Bar & Grill. He chased that dream and never looked back, even enduring the Covid-19 lockdown soon after opening with the support of his family and friends. He truly loved everything about the Endzone; his staff, his patrons, supporting local artists, and on and on, and most especially giving all of the local athletes in the entire county a place to gather before and after their games. To say Joe was a huge football fan would be a major understatement. Growing up, he had a family member from Wisconsin and after one taste of being a Cheesehead, a Green Bay Packer fan, there was no turning back for Joe. He was instantly hooked and a true die-hard fan for life. He and Sarah even went to several Packer games, and the last two of their magical trips were with the kids. He also insisted on going with family and friends on his annual weekend excursion to the Hall of Fame game and induction ceremony, no matter the circumstances. Joe then combined his love for football, his community, and for kids, to become "Coach Joe". He was a Mount Gilead Indians youth and junior high football coach for nearly 10 years. His commitment to his players extended far beyond the field, as he selflessly invested his time, energy, and wisdom into shaping not just athletes, but also nurturing their character and resilience to become great young men. He was an exemplary mentor, always willing to go the extra mile for the sake of his team. The huge impact he had on his players lives will extend "well beyond the game of football. "Joe was a great man with a huge heart. He "was the best of Mount Gilead personified. Warm, welcoming, innocent and honest. " He was "selfless beyond belief, and humble. " "He was a friend to so many. " "Joe was genuine. He gave so much to so many, never expecting anything in return. " He loved and saw the very best in everyone. Joseph's presence within the Mount Gilead community was one of immeasurable value as he "served his family, his community, his school, and so many young men with such enthusiasm, energy, and passion. " His absence will be keenly felt by all who were touched by him. His legacy of compassion and selflessness will endure as a testament to the impact one person can make in the lives of others. Joe was a man of deep Christian faith, and he loved attending Mount Gilead Church of Christ with his kids. Left to cherish Joe's memory are his beloved wife: Sarah Long; two adored children: Olivia and Wyatt Long; his parents: Jack and Doreen Long; two brothers: Jay (Sarah) Long, and John Long; his father and mother-in-law: Tammy and Dale Ernst; two sisters and two brothers-in-law: Darci (Ryan) High, Laura (Ryan) Brown, Daniel (Ashley) Ernst, and Jonathon (Tori) Ernst; 13 cherished nieces and nephews: Emma, Chloe, and Evelyn Long, Colten, Owen, and Logan High, Mallory, Lillian, Asher, Grady, and Walker Brown, Elijah and Lyle Ernst; his best friend and cousin, Nick (Courtney) Long; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and dear friends. Joe was preceded in death by his infant sister, Jennie Rebecca Long, grandparents Richard A. and Lucille J. Benedict and grandparents Jackie L. and Marilyn M. Long. His family will greet friends from 2 - 6 pm on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the Gilead Friends Church, 4863 US-42, Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life and dedication to his community, family and friends will also be held there at 10:30 am on Monday, with Pastor Doug Bryan officiating. Burial will follow in Rivercliff Cemetery in Mount Gilead. Everyone is encouraged to wear your favorite sport teams jerseys and attire on both Sunday and Monday, just like Joe would have wanted it. You will get bonus points for Green Bay Packer / Cheesehead or Mount Gilead Indians attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Olivia and Wyatt Long Scholarship Fund and they may be sent to the funeral home: Snyder Funeral Homes, 67 N. Main St. , Mount Gilead, OH 43338. On behalf of Joe's family, they would like to extend a HUGE "Thank you" for the outpouring of love and support they have felt from everyone in the Mount Gilead community and beyond. Joe Long will forever remain etched in our memories and our hearts as a shining example of love, enthusiasm, chasing your dreams, and unwavering dedication and friendship. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him and in the Mount Gilead community where he was so beloved. One of his friends said it best: "Just be like Joe". Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to serve Joe's family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www. SnyderFuneralHomes. com.Show more
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