Terrel "Terry" O. Long, 95, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at his home.
He was born Aug. 19, 1920, in Formosa, Kansas, to the late Orin O. and Pauline Merle Hooker Long. He and Lucille Zimmerman Kight were married Sept. 10, 1950, in Dexter, Missouri. She passed away March 28, 2004.
Following his graduation from Jamestown (Kansas) High School, Terry proudly joined the U.S. Navy in October 1941 and served his country throughout World War II on a wooden minesweeper, the USS. YMS81. He entered the Navy as an apprentice seaman and was honorably discharged as a chief petty officer motor machinist in October 1945.
In the late 1940s, Terry was transferred to Cape Girardeau from Ellman's Department Store in St. Louis to take over management of their store here. He also worked for Montgomery Ward Department Store before beginning his career in media advertising. Terry joined the advertising sales staff of the Southeast Missourian in 1952. In October 1977, he joined the KFVS Television sales staff as an account executive. He worked at KFVS until his retirement in 1992.
Loving survivors include a daughter-in-law, Linda Kight; a granddaughter, Heather Kight; a grandson, Justin Kight, all of Overland Park, Kansas; a sister, Vivian Knorr of Colorado; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews; as well as many co-workers and friends that Terry treasured.
He was preceded in death by parents; his wife, Lucille; a stepson, Wayne Kight; a brother, Merle O. Long; and a sister, Maxine Long Cloe.
A graveside service will be at a later date at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.
Online condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.
McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau was in charge of arrangements.
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