Roger G. Long

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Roger Gerald Long, passed away at the age of 74 after a hard fought battle with lung cancer. He was born on November 8, 1951 in Cadillac, Michigan to Eston and Ida (Kesl) Long. Raised in Luther, Michigan, he joined the United States Air Force in 1970 and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in January, 1974. 

On August 9, 1975 he married Jessica Naragon at Faith United Methodist Church in Buchanan, which is where they established their home and raised their two daughters, Tennille and Cassandra.

Roger worked on the railroad for Chessie System, Inc. and then spent the majority of his life as a contractor and owner of Buchanan Custom Builders. He also spent time working as a site supervisor for All American Homes and as a home inspector with Pillar to Post before retiring. 

An avid and lifelong outdoorsman, Roger loved fishing, perfecting his handicap on the golf course, and hunting. Deer camp with his brothers and nephews was one of the things he always looked forward to most. A member of American Legion Post 51, he enjoyed playing pool and was the proud back-to-back champion of their annual cornhole tourney. There wasn’t a college basketball game, Tigers or Cubs game, or golf tournament he wouldn’t watch, card game he wouldn’t play, or a nap he wouldn’t take. Roger was always willing to lend a helping hand to those that needed it. He took great pride in making sure his lawn was the best looking on Rynearson Street and, giving true meaning to “love thy neighbor,” he was always happy to help others keep theirs in pristine condition as well. He will always be remembered as someone who put all he had into everything he did. 

He was especially proud of being a dad to his daughters and probably the greatest joy of his life was being the best Papa to Emme and Cam – there will never be any question as to how tight he was wrapped around their fingers or their hearts.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Eston and Ida Long, brothers, Bruce, Lynn, Robert, Gregory Long; sister, Gloria (Long) Hastings and his beloved wife, Jessica Lee (Naragon) Long. He is survived by his two daughters, Tennille (Brandon) David and Cassandra (Vincent) Harris, his cherished granddaughters, Emmerson Slavens and Camryn Harris, his sister, Sharon (Bob) Verlinde and brother Thomas (Judy) Long. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to extend our profound gratitude to the staff at Heartland Hospice. Words cannot express how thankful we are for the compassion, kindness, and support you offered. You truly made a difference, and we are forever grateful for the care you provided, not only to Roger, but to all of us during his final days.

To accommodate Roger’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation with family will be held at Palmer Funeral Home - Hoven Chapel, 414 E. Front St., Buchanan, MI on Tuesday, March 24, from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. with a military honors ceremony taking place at 3:00 p.m. 

The family invites those who would like to share in a Celebration of Life dinner to join them at the Buchanan American Legion, 403 E. Front St., Buchanan, following the visitation. 
Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, http://heartlandhospice.com. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.