Larry George Long, passed away at Centennial Park Retirement Village at the age of 83, on December 5, 2023. The son of George and Wilma (Wilson) Long, he was born on August 30, 1940, in North Platte.
Larry grew up with three things running through his veins: horses, ranching, and rodeo. From a very young age, he was riding horses, and by his teenage years, he was competing as a calf roper, steer wrestler, and team roper. Larry graduated from North Platte High School in 1958 and continued working with his dad on the ranch. On October 2, 1960, he was wed to Mary Ann Gordon and the couple had a son, Doug.
Larry was involved in the Nebraska State Rodeo Association, serving as association president for two terms. In the early 1970’s, he became a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Association, known today as the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association. Larry also competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo several times. After his rodeo career ended in the 90’s, he became a member of the committee. In 1996, Larry was selected as the Trail Boss Award winner for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo; the same award that his dad and great-uncle had received 22 years earlier.
With an extensive history and passion for rodeo, Larry’s greatest achievement was his family. He loved his wife, son, and grandchildren immensely and was proud of the family he had helped to create.
Those left to cherish Larry’s memory include his son, Doug (Bonnie) Long of North Platte; granddaughter, Amanda Miller; great grandson, Christopher Miller; other family and friends.
Along with his wife, Mary Ann, Larry is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials are suggested to the NebraskaLand Days Foundation to benefit the Rodeo Committee and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Book signing will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 12 PM to 7 PM at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. A committal service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with Ned Cooper as officiant.