Raymond E. Long, 96, of LaGrange passed away Sunday July 17, 2011 at home following a short illness. He was born January 16, 1915 in Elyria. Raymond was a self employed general contractor and part owner of T.J. Hume; previously he had worked for Elyria Motors. He was a member of Seventh Day Adventist Church, a life member of The Grange. He enjoyed playing shuffleboard while wintering in Florida, gardening and watching sports. Survivors include his wife of thirty four years; Laura P. (nee: Hanson) a daughter; Lois E. Baker (the late Doug) of Hershey, PA., two sons; Ken Prechtel of Elyria, Dan Prechtel (Maricia) of Smyrna, GA. Additional survivors include a daughter in law; Barbara Prechtel of Elyria, eleven grandchildren; Jeff Baker, Laura Stocker, Kathy O'Day, Paula Lightner, Donna Scheidler, Constance Boardwine, Christine Stanley, Michael Prechtel, Daniel Covington, Joshua Covington, and Robert Covington, fifteen great grandchildren, and two nephews Jerry and David Long. He was preceded in death by his first wife; Ardelle (nee: Hastings), his parents; Ruben and Alta Long, a sister; Gladys Zoschnick, a brother; Wilmot Long. Friends may call 4-8PM Wednesday July 20, 2011 at The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57) Elyria where funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday July 21, 2011. Pastor Kenneth Gerhardt will officiate. Burial will be in LaGrange Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Raymond's memory can be sent to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 11:00 AM Thursday July 21, 2011 Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, Ohio Visitation: 4-8 PM Wednesday July 20, 2011 Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, Ohio