Leonard Gene Longer

Leonard Gene Longer, of Thornton, Texas (Lake Limestone) went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 84.

Leonard was born on May 31, 1938, to Frank Longer and Mabel Sue (Bryant) Longer in Galveston, Texas. He attended Holy Name Grade School, and St. Thomas Catholic High School, where he played football; and then the University of Houston.

He was a proud member of the U.S. Navy, Submarine Division, where he served for twelve years.

Leonard met the love of his life, his school sweetheart, Betty Jane Stepanski, and they were married in August, 1957.   They had four children, Sherri, Terry, Larry and Shelli.

After the passing of his wife, he moved to Lake Limestone. He loved the country life, along with hunting and fishing. Leonard loved to bar-b-que for family and friends. His ribs, brisket and chicken marinated with his secret sauce were always a hit with everyone. He enjoyed a good John Wayne movie, Elvis, playing dominoes and putting puzzles together.

He was a lifelong Member of the Knights of Columbus Counsel 2917 and he served as a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Committeeman. His love of God and faith were unwavering during his lifetime, and he was a devout member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty; daughter, Shelli Longer Wyrick; and brothers Leo Longer and John Longer.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherri Miller and husband Bill; son, Terry Longer and wife Etta; son, Larry Longer and wife Lynda; brother, Thomas Longer and wife, Anne Marie; brother, Wayne Longer and wife, Carol; and a sister, Mary Arfele. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandkids, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Rosary will be recited at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 8, 2023, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel and will be recited by his youngest brother, Wayne Longer and wife, Carol. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 9th in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, 1215 East Yeagua, Groesbeck, TX, with Reverend Tracy Sims officiating.   Burial will take place at 3:00 P.M. Monday afternoon in the Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, at 13102 North Freeway, Houston, Texas, with Deacon Jack Alexander officiating at the graveside. 

Pallbearers will be Jason Longer, Josh Longer, Brandon Longer, Cameron Longer, Rhys Miller, Cole Miller, Kyle Miller, Ricky Stewart, Robert Joseph Wyrick, and Gregory Wyrick.