Bob Long

Carl Robert “Bob” Long, 93, of Belton passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Baylor-Scott and White Hospital in Temple.

A graveside service for Bob will be held at the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM with Rev. H.K. Ballard officiating.

Bob was born on April 1, 1933, in Rantoul, Kansas to Carl and Ethel (Asling) Long. Upon graduating from Gridley Rural High School in May 1951 Bob enlisted in the US Navy serving as a Radarman on the minesweeper USS Redstart, achieving the rank of Radarman Second Class.

While in the Navy, Bob married the love of his life, Phyllis Maxine Ogden on July 18, 1953, in North Hollywood, California. Bob and Phyllis were blessed with two children, Phillip Long of Lakewood, California and Beth Smart of Los Gatos, California.

Upon receiving his discharge from the Navy, Bob and Phyllis moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Bob continued his education, receiving and Electronic Engineering Degree. After graduation, Bob and Phyllis moved to Wichita, Kansas where he worked for Beech Aircraft for one year. While living in Wichita, Phillip was born. The family then moved to El Paso, Texas where Mr. Long was employed by the US Army teaching basic Electronic and Radar Systems. While in El Paso, Beth was born.

Three years later, the family moved to Manassas, Virginia where Bob worked for the US Airforce maintaining a radar site. Mr. Long then went to Thule, Greenland, maintaining a satellite tracking station for the Air Force.

In 1964, the family moved to Houston where Bob had a 32-year career with NASA.

Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life Phyllis in 2020; his parents, and a sister Marjorie. He is survived by his sister Patricia Ann Miller (James); son Phillip; daughter Beth; grandchildren Seth (Brittany), Emily, Kelly (Sean), and Scott. Also surviving are one great granddaughter Charlotte as well as nieces Shelly Miller, Demri Rynders, and nephews Andrew (April) and Joey.