Stephen Cedric Long was born in Modesto, CA on September 20, 1966 to Wayne Long and Sarah Irene Brinkley Long0 and died on February 6, 2024 in the same hospital where he was born. He was a lifelong resident of Waterford, CA where he enjoyed a loving community. He graduated from Waterford Elementary School in 1980 and from Oakdale High School in 1984. He studied Music at Modesto Junior College, and West Virginia University.

 

Stephen loved performing and listening to music, playing games, watching and talking about sports, and learning and sharing trivia. He was great at games and loved to win.  

 

Music was everything for Stephen. He taught himself to play piano as a young child and he picked up other instruments along the way. Trumpet was his primary instrument and he was amazing. He also loved to sing. He sang with the family  and in choirs at school and at church. He was part of the band at Waterford Elementary, Oakdale High School, Modesto Jr College, and West Virginia University.  He spent three summers traveling with the Continental Singers Orchestra and participated in several Community Bands.

 

He attended Greeley Hill Community Church, Calvary Temple, and the Old German Baptist Brethren Church. His knowledge of the Bible was quite impressive and he loved discussing it with others.

 

Stephen was proceeded in death by his father Wayne Long, mother Sarah Irene Long, both of Waterford, CA, and oldest brother Shawn Long of Modesto, CA. 

Stephen's dog and faithful companion of 15 years died shortly after he did. They will be buried together.

 

He is survived by two brothers and three sisters: Karl Long (Patti) of Livingston, TX, Carmen Schneider (Ron) of Weaverville, CA, Brian Long of Roswell, New Mexico, Linda Jensen (Andre) of Sacramento, CA, and Julie Donahue (John) of Roswell, New Mexico. He is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews.

Services:
Memorial - March 8, 2024 from 6-9 pm at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Waterford
Graveside - March 9, 2024 at 11 am at the Dudley Cemetary in Greeley Hill, CA

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