Mark Long Sr.

Mark Louis Long Sr. passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, at his home on May 13, 2024.  He was a man of honor, faith, love, and devotion, taking care of many and supporting all.  He was in the arms of the women he loved as he entered his Heavenly Father’s arms, and was embraced by many who loved him and were waiting for him to join them.

Mark was born on April 22, 1954, in Denver, Colorado to Louis and Jacqueline Long.   They moved to Carlsbad, NM shortly after so his father could help open Industrial Electric.  He was a talented athlete playing for the Carlsbad Cavemen Varsity Football, Baseball, Track, and JV Basketball. He played left field for the 1972 State Champion Cavemen Baseball team.  He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1972. He continued his love of sports after high school playing flag football and in the men’s fastpitch softball leagues for several years with the IMC team and Artesia Sluggers.

During his Junior year he met the love of his life, Lonnie Baker.  They were married on August 24, 1972.  They were married for 51 years.  His son, Mark Jr was born in March of 1973, followed two years later by twins, Christy and Misty, and then ten years later they had Devon, his “favorite child”.  He actively coached his children in different sports when they were young, and then became their biggest fan and supporter when they started playing high school sports and doing other activities. He always supported his children in their pursuits and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

He always provided what his family needed throughout his life.  After high school he began working at Industrial Electric with his father, leaving the company after seventeen years of service.  In 1992 he started working at WIPP.  During his 28 years at the site, he worked in many departments including Maintenance, Waste Handling, then Facility Operations, and finishing up in the Training Department.  He mentored many people at the site as he was a natural leader and would help anyone who needed him.  He decided in 1993 to go to college and obtain his degree.  In 1997 he graduated with an Associate of Arts and finished his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2001.  He also had his Journeyman’s electrical license. He continued to challenge himself and wanted to learn as much as possible.

 Mark was a hard-working and dedicated father, grandfather, friend, and loved one.  He learned to play bridge with his mother-in-law Edith and continued to play until recently.  He was 1/4th of a point away from being a master at the game.  He loved the challenge of the game.  

His faith in God was the foundation of who he was, and how he lived.  He was kind, patient, and giving.  He was an active member of the churches he attended.  He and Lonnie were members of Calvary Assembly of God and he had a passion for the Food Ministry service.  He recruited his family to help every month and they will continue to serve the community of Carlsbad.

He had a passion for his grandchildren and loved to watch them grow, providing valuable insight and support.  He was an amazing role model and showered them with love and attention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Jacquline Long, In-Laws; Roy C and Edith Baker, Niece Mandy Lemon, Nephew, Kevin Long, and beloved granddaughter Roycee Long.  

He is survived by his wife, Lonnie Long; son, Mark Long Jr. and partner Debbie Murrill, and daughters; Chrisy and husband Kendall Boyd; Misty Long; Devon Long and partner Nathan Gustin. Brothers; John and wife Susie Long, Paul and wife Christine Long and sister, Brenda and husband Jerry Fox.  Grandchildren; Paxton Long, Tyra Murrill, Wilson Murill, Mario Carrasco, Kaeden Boyd, Laurel Boyd, Jacqueline Boyd, Brooke Owen, and Harper Long along with many nieces and nephews.

He has left a legacy of integrity and love that will be carried on through all those who have loved him. Services will be held at Calvary Assembly of God on June 1, 2024, at 11 am, with Pastor Phillip Price as minister, Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: The Carlsbad Bridge Club, Cavegirl Soccer Team, or the Calvary Assembly of God Food Ministry.