Boyd E. Long

Boyd E. Long, 87, of Bucyrus, died Friday March 31, 2017 at Fischer Titus Medical Center in Norwalk.



He was born June 29, 1929 in Bowling Green, Ohio to the late Mabelle (Haas) Robertson and Claren Long. Boyd graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1947 and soon thereafter enlisted to serve in the US Navy. He proudly served his country for 20 plus years before retiring in 1970 as a Naval Commander SKC(SS). Over those years, he served aboard the USS Southerland DDR 743, New Jersey BB-62, Grand Canyon AD 28, Fort Mandan LSD 21, Joseph K Taussig DE1030, Yosemite AD 19, Irex SS 482, and Billfish SSN 676. During the Korean War he was injured and Boyd was honored by decommissioning many of the ships he served on. While in the Navy, he was introduced through a blind date to Helen E. Wolfee. They were married in Jersey City, New Jersey March 7, 1960 and she survives.



In 1970, Boyd relocated his family to Bucyrus and over the next 20 plus years he served as head of maintenance for Bucyrus High School. Boyd missed many "growing moments" of his children while in the US Navy and, for that reason, he became part of the staff at BHS. His service through the Navy taught him to go that “extra mile.” It was often said that the school couldn’t have run efficiently if Boyd weren’t there. He loved to tell “Polish” jokes to the faculty and play practical jokes on many of the student body. Boyd was also a “guidance counselor” to any student who needed help and he was always there to lend an ear. Even after retiring from Bucyrus City Schools, he still helped whenever he could. He could be seen helping park the buses for the Elks Invitational and enjoyed visiting the staff on his walks to the school.

Boyd and Helen became “snowbirds” after his retirement and spent winters in Inverness, Florida. They developed friendships with the city officials and residents at Fort Cooper Mobile Home Park. They became avid shuffle board competitors. During the summers, he lived at Hidden Lakes in Mount Gilead, Ohio and was one of five original members. Boyd served on the board and was past president.



He was a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church where he ushered for the early services. Boyd served, advised, and was a member of many boards, committees and organizations. He coached peewee basketball at the YMCA, was Grey Y Adviser, Little League, Buckeye Boys/Girls State, prom advisor for over 20 years. He drove bus for many athletic events, often referred to as “AJ Boyd;” helped with the football program, track meets, and band. Boyd was also a member of F.O.P., VFW, Forty and Eight, AmVets, and Moose. Served as a past commander of the Bucyrus Legion, Master of Ceremonies for Memorial Day Services for many years, worked/served on the Bratwurst Festival Board, and opened the ceremony for over 40 years. He was honored to have been inducted into the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame.

In addition to Helen, his wife of 57 years, Boyd is survived by eight children, Michael Padilla, Christine Padilla, Larry Padilla, Boyd E (Julia) Long Jr., JoAnn Long, Dorothy (Tom) Cory, Carl Long, Nancy (Doug “Pete”) Foght; 12 grandchildren, Roger Padilla, Tisha Joy Padilla, Awbrey Prohaska, Damien Prohaska, Ben (Andra) Long, Breanna Long, Bret Long, Brian Long, Thomas (Amber) Cory III, Christine Cory and fiancé Brandon Douglas, Rhieannae Cory and fiancé Shane Cole, Douglas (Ida) Foght; 10 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.



He was proceeded in death by brothers, Elmer (Thelma) Long, James (Eleanor) Long, Floren (Jo Ann) Long.



His family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 6 at Wise Funeral Service. The public will be welcome as early as 12 noon that day. Funeral services for Boyd will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Good Hope Lutheran Church with Gene Luidhardt, S.A.M. officiating. His family will also greet friends that morning from 9:30 – 10:45 at the church. Military Rites will be provided by the American Legion, Post 181 and US Navy Honor Guards. Rites will be held at the church following his funeral. A private burial will take place at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery.



Boyd lived his life by service to his country and community. Memorial contributions may payable to “Bucyrus Academic Boosters” for the Boyd Long Scholarship through Wise Funeral Service.