Franklin ‘Frank’ Murray Long, 89, of Cottage Grove, passed away June 10, 2021.
Frank was born Feb. 26, 1932, in Healdton, Okla., to parents James and Winnifred Burrow Long. He graduated from Porterville High in California in 1949, then from Fresno State College in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Frank served as a PFC in information services in the United State Army from 1954-56. He married Catherine Zublin March 15, 1954; they later divorced. Frank married Donna Reif Chandler June 9, 1973, in Eugene, Ore. He worked as a reporter for the Atwater Signal and Merced Sun-Star in the 1950s. Frank received his teaching certificate from UC Berkeley, California and taught at Los Gatos High School, Roseburg High School and Cottage Grove High School where he retired in 1990. His hobbies included photography and writing. His passion was theater all his life. He acted in 32 productions in college and at The Barn Theater in Porterville, Calif. He loved the Cottage Theatre and was instrumental in raising the funds for the construction of the new building in 1998.
Frank was a true philanthropist; he worked at improving his world through Kiwanis and Scouting. He is affiliated with the Bohemia Sunrisers Kiwanis. Frank received Cottage Grove’s First Citizen Award in 1997, The Kiwanis Hixson Award, and numerous other Kiwanis and Boy Scout Awards.
Frank is survived by his wife Donna of 48 years; daughters Rebecca Long, Alexandra Zublin-Meyer, Anne Larsen, and Kendra Nguyen; sons Theodore Long, Timothy Long, David Long, Adam Long, Brian Long and 12 grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his sister Evan Wall.
A memorial service will be held at the Cottage Theatre 700 Village Drive in Cottage Grove after remodeling is complete. Arrangements by Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove.
