Vernon L. Long

Vernon Long, 78, of Afton, passed away Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at Greater Regional Health in Creston. A private graveside service will be held in the Graceland Cemetery in Creston.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Greater Regional Healthcare Foundation and Afton Volunteer Fire & Rescue, in care of Pearson Family Funeral Service, 809 W. Montgomery St., Creston, IA 50801. Condolences for the family can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Vernon Lee Long was born April 21, 1946, son of Raymond A. Long and Helen R. (Miller) Long in Creston. He graduated from East Union High School with the class of 1964.

On June 21, 1968, Vernon married Deva Jane Ricks at the United Methodist Church in Afton. They settled in the Afton area, near his home place and began a life-long career in agriculture until his death. Vernon and Deva had three children: William, Kristin and Darren.

Vernon raised cattle, seed soybeans and corn. He took an A.I. course in 1968 which started his interest in Limousin cattle. He began raising Limousin cattle in 1970. He was one of the early members of the National Limousin Foundation in 1970. He was a member of the Iowa Limousin Association and served on the board for 18 years, beginning in 1976.

Long and Sons Limousin won the Iowa Limousin Association Seedstock Producer of the Year in 1983. In 2015, Long and Sons Limousin was inducted in the Iowa Limousin Association Hall of Fame. Vernon and his children traveled the United States showing Limousin heifers at junior shows. He began raising Red Angus cattle in 1996 and was a member of the National Red Angus Association. He enjoyed riding horses, especially his favorite horses “King” and “Target.”

Vernon is survived by his wife, Deva, of Afton; his children, William (Sarah) of Afton, Kristin (Craig) Moeckly of Lawrence, Kansas, and Darren of Afton; his grandchildren: Lane, Morgan and Henry Moeckly and Riley, Peyton, Emmet and Maria Long.