Kenneth W. Long, 73, Syracuse, died at midnight Monday, Jan. 30, 2017.  He passed away at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, after a hard and courageous battle with cancer. 

He was born on Oct. 30, 1943 in Fort Wayne to the late Jack and Betty (Witzigreuter) Long. He graduated in 1961 from South Side High School in Fort Wayne. Following his graduation, he entered the United States Navy where he served until honorably discharged in 1964.

Following his discharge, he entered the workforce at General Electric in Fort Wayne where he stayed until the invention of the EPDM Roofing Membrane from Uniroyal.  He then began his employment at the ABC Supply Company where he designed the first White EPDM Roof System for the RV market, which is still in use today.  Due to his hard work and dedication and gift to communicate as Modular Director ABC Supply, Ken’s knowledge and expertise in the modular roofing industry greatly improved the Modular Office EPDM and TPO Roofing Systems throughout the United States.

In addition to his work, was his love for his family, especially his children and grandchildren.  Ken had a very giving heart and was always willing to help those in need.  His kind, loving personality will be deeply missed. Ken was always adventurous and always willing to try anything new and exciting. 

In 1990, after having several residences, he settled down and moved to Lake Wawasee, where he resided for the remainder of his life.  He purchased this residence and made many modification and upgrades to it for his children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Ken is survived by a daughter, Kimberly (Tim) Scheumann of Hoagland; daughter, Jacelyn (Jeff) Livensparger of Fort Wayne;; and a son, Ken (Kelly) Long Jr. of Fort Wayne; sister, Sandra Meyers of Fort Wayne; and nine grandchildren:  Nick (Jamie) Scheumann, Nate Scheumann, Emily Scheumann, Camron Livensparger, Chloe Livensparger, Carly Livensparger, Olivia Long, Daisy Long, and Ford Long.  Ken was preceded in death by a brother, David Jackson Long on April 30, 2012.

Funeral services for Ken will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur.  Friends and family will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Monday in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at the Eel River Cemetery in Churubusco, Indiana with graveside services being provided by the American Legion Post 43 Color Guard.

Preferred memorials for Ken will be to the Lake Wawasee Association (Fireworks Fund); Goshen Cancer Center; or American Legion Post 223 – Syracuse.