Richard (Dick) Lee Longfellow

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Lee Longfellow, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life on May 9, 2026, following a short illness. Born on September 16, 1939, at home in Conway, IA, Dick lived a life richly woven with love, laughter, and dedication to those he cherished and the passions he pursued. Dick was the treasured son of Ivan Lee Longfellow and Thelma Joyce (Polsley) Longfellow, and he shared his early years with his siblings Diana Pantry, Pat Kemery, Dixie Larsen, and the late Connie Longfellow. After graduating from Clearfield High School in 1958, Dick attended Northwest Missouri State Teacher's in Maryville, MO. He later answered the call of duty by serving his country, beginning Army Basic Training at Fort Carson, CO, and completing Advanced Individual Training with the First Armored Division’s 46th Infantry at Fort Hood, TX, where he honed his skills in handling firearms. On October 12, 1968, Dick married the love of his life, Maralene Larsen, in Clearfield, IA. Their union of 58 years was blessed with four daughters: Mary Mathison, Michelle Wyant, Megan Evans, and Monica Longfellow, who predeceased him at the tender age of five. Together, Dick and Maralene built a beautiful life centered around family, community, and shared adventures. Dick followed in his father's footsteps, beginning his career in the family water well business before establishing Longfellow Drilling, Inc. His dedication and work ethic were unmatched, allowing him to retire at the age of 62 in 2001. Though he hung up his drill, Dick continued to embrace life's adventures, joining organizations such as the Clearfield United Methodist Church, the Clearfield Lions Club, Pheasants Forever, ADSC, the Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors, and in his later years, the Cheyenne Regulators, a Single Action Shooting Society Chapter in Cheyenne, WY. He also enjoyed his time with the Cheyenne Gold Wing Club and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. A lifelong hunter, Dick found joy every fall for 23 years in the elk hunting grounds of Encampment, WY. His love for the outdoors was only rivaled by his enthusiasm for collecting guns and rocks. Known for his sharpshooting skills, Dick earned numerous awards and State Championships for his age group with the Cheyenne Regulators. Camping was another of his great joys, often referring to his camper as "home", and traveling with family and friends brought him immense happiness. Dick's personality was as colorful as his vocabulary. A hard worker with a penchant for humor, he was known for his trademark expressions like "42" and "God dammit Maralene!", often paired with the gentle reminder from others, "Dick, you can't eat that." Known for falling asleep at the wheel and being unconcerned with appearances, he was once humorously gifted a "golden shovel" at a Longfellow Drilling Christmas party, a nod to his love of keeping tools clean. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his wife Maralene, his daughters Mary, Michelle, and Megan, his grandchildren Lance Mathison, Mahala Wyant, Coy Evans, Cassidy Evans, Cash Evans, and Cross Evans, and a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He joins his parents, his daughter Monica, and his sister Connie in eternal peace. A memorial will be established in his name to honor his memory and continue supporting the causes he held dear. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support, kind words, thoughts, and prayers during this time of loss. In celebrating Dick's life, let us remember the laughter he brought, the love he shared, and the indelible mark he left on all who knew him. His spirit will forever be a guiding star, illuminating the path for those who follow in his footsteps.