Herschel Long

Hannibal, MO

JULY 28, 1947 – MAY 22, 2026

Herschel Long, age 78, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 12:40 pm Friday, May 22, 2026, at Luther Manor Nursing Home.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in the Grand View Burial Park. Bro. Jeff Anderson and Bro. Ron Haye will officiate.

Visitation celebrating Herschel’s life will be held 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Herschel was born on July 28, 1947, in Hannibal, MO the son of Perry and Ruth (Shadwell) Long.

He was united in marriage to Ann Cook on July 21, 1972, at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Taylor, MO.

Survivors include his wife, Ann of the home; son, John Long and wife Cheryl of Jefferson City, MO; daughter Jennifer Cosby and husband Mark of Springfield, MO; grandchildren, (triplets) Adalyn Long, Benjamin Long and Caleb Long and Tyler Long; brother-in-law, Lee Cook (Raetta) of LaGrange, MO and their children, Jacob Cook and Krystle Cook; sister-in-law, Rea Cook of San Miguel, Mexico and her son, Patrick DeMate.

Herschel was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Long honorably served his country during Vietnam in the United States Navy. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Herschel enlisted in the Army Reserves and continued to serve his country for thirty-two plus years.

Herschel was a longtime educator in the Marion Co R-2 School District, Highland School District and retired from the Hannibal School District as the Psych Examiner/Counselor. Mr. Long also taught Psychology at Hannibal-LaGrange College for a few years along with teaching a class at Westpoint.

Herschel enjoyed the simple things in life. Fly fishing, reading history books and the Bible, building his home and furniture for family and friends, and the morning coffee club were things Herschel enjoyed. His biggest love was traveling with his family and being in their presence. On a few of Herschel’s adventures traveling, he rode a mule down the Grand Canyon and whitewater rafted in Costa Rica. In 2023, Herschel was able to go on the Great River Honor Flight.

Herschel was a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as the chairman of the building committee of the present sanctuary.

Herschel’s unwavering dedication to his country, family, education, and church will forever be remembered and cherished by the thousands of lives and hearts he touched throughout the years.

Pallbearers will be John Janes, John Waldshlager, Ben Long, Caleb Long, Tyler Long, Jacob Cook, and Bill Dees.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Herschel’s memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com