George Gilmore Long

Col. George G. Long, 94, passed away peacefully in Denver, Colorado, on October 3, 2022. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, he had a long and distinguished career with the United States Marine Corps.


Col. Long was born on December 26, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri, to George T. and Stella Long. George met his soulmate, Betty McKee, in Kansas City. They married in 1950 and enjoyed a happy marriage of 72 years raising and loving their two sons. He was an avid Chiefs, Royals and Jayhawks fan. One of his favorite pastimes was going out for ice cream with his grandchildren and his Boston Terrier, Tippy.


In 1946, at the age of 18, he joined the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1947. With the escalation of hostilities in the Korean War, he was recalled as a reservist and fought at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Subsequently, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his Marine Corps career, Col. Long received numerous commendations and recognitions.


Retiring from the Marine Corps in 1979 after 31 years of honorable service, he then obtained his J.D. from The University of Kansas Law School. George began his second career at the City of Olathe as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and ended his 11 years at the city as Director of Administrative Services. George and Betty then moved to Colorado, making it their permanent home.


Col. Long was a brave and loyal Marine and a patient and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Betty, his son, Robert Michael and wife, Lola, grandchildren, Alysia Rich and husband, Daniel, Erin Leake and husband, Blair, Michael Long and wife, Mackenzie, Marlena Long, Mallory Long and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom he dearly loved. His elder son, George Stephen Long, of Denver, Colorado, predeceased him by two days.