Bill Long, 78, Rockford, died at 10:53 p.m. Aug. 19, 2014, at Van Wert In-Patient Hospice Center.

He was born Dec. 4, 1935, in Liberty Center, Henry County, to Albert and Ora Stryker Long. On July 11, 1958, he married Joan P. Leupp, who survives in Rockford.

Also surviving are four children, Cindy (Steve) DuVall, Middlepoint, Petrise (Neil) Meyer, Celina, Cassi (Rich) Baker, Upper Arlington, and Scott (Kathy) Long, Van Wert; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Becca) DuVall, Phillip (Courtney) DuVall, Natasha (Robbie) Breese, Preston (Renee) Meyer, Marcus (Brooke) Meyer, Aubri (David) Rench, Darci (Andrew) Smith, Harry Baker and Lucy Baker; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Frysinger, Liberty Center.

Deceased is a granddaughter, Samoan Meyer.

He owned a commercial poultry business for more than 45 years, packaging and delivering eggs to local retailers before partnering with Parke-Davis pharmaceutical company, where the eggs were used to manufacture flu vaccines. Known as a very hard workers, he also was employed by Stephenson Home Improvement for more than 20 years and provided lawn care services for Blackcreek Township cemeteries for more than 30 years.

After retiring from his poultry business, he worked part-time for Muhlenkamp Poultry. In his spare time, he was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan, cheered for the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns, and enjoyed each and every one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of New Horizons Community Church, Rockford.

Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at New Horizons Community Church, Rockford, pastors David Souers and Mark Rutledge officiating. Burial will follow at East Bethel Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Saturday and after 1 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Memorials may be given to Van Wert In-Patient Hospice Center or the St. Anthony Dinner Theater.

Condolences may be left at www.ketchamripley.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford.