Steven Arthur Long

Aug. 2, 1948-January 7, 2025

Posted 1/23/25

Steven Arthur Long was born on Aug. 2, 1948, in Champaign, IL, the first child of Elton and Sue Long, and passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Katy, TX. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, …

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Steven Arthur Long

Aug. 2, 1948-January 7, 2025

Posted

Steven Arthur Long was born on Aug. 2, 1948, in Champaign, IL, the first child of Elton and Sue Long, and passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Katy, TX. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Melody; his three daughters, Erin Conlon (husband Ryan), Shelley Smith (husband Jon), and Amanda Commons (husband Scott); and six grandchildren, Jetta and Elena Smith, Evan and Claire Conlon, and Charlotte and Case Commons. He is also survived by his mother Sue and his sisters Stephanie Mill and Patricia Allbee and their families.
A proud Midwesterner, Steve, grew up in Burlington, Iowa and graduated from Burlington High School in 1966. After serving in the Navy (onboard the USS Vancouver and USS Hornet) during the Vietnam War, he attended Burlington Community College and the University of Iowa, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in television and film production in 1972.
Steve began his journalism career in the Navy and continued it after college as a news photographer for TV station WICD Channel 15 in his birthplace of Champaign, IL. This gave him the experience he needed to work as a news photographer on KPRC TV Channel 2 in Houston, where he enjoyed a 40-year career.
In addition to being a talented photographer, everyone who knew him knows his greatest passion was music. A gifted keyboard player, guitarist, drummer, and singer, he put together a popular rock ‘n roll band in high school called The Jesters and two decades later co-founded the Houston band, Easy Money, in which he played for 37 years, sharing his love of music with family, friends, neighbors and many Houston-area music enthusiasts. In retirement, Steve continued to share his musical gifts, teaching keyboard at the Katy School of Rock. Steve, a.k.a. Dad, a.k.a. Paw Paw, was always ready to play and sing a song for you, often a goofy one he’d made up himself—because in addition to loving music, he loved making people laugh.
Steve had a huge heart and was a light to all who knew him— including the many beloved pets throughout his life who were devoted to him. We know his light will continue to shine brightly through his wife, daughters, family, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 26th at 2:00 PM at The Story Church located at 3223 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77098

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in memory of Steve Long to the Gulf Coast Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Your generous support will help fund vital research and provide resources for those affected by blood cancer. Thank you for honoring Steve's legacy through your contribution.