Jerry W. Longest, 70, Milford, IL

Jerry W. Longest, 70, of Milford, IL passed away on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL.

Visitation will run from 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10  until the 7 p.m. Memorial Service at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Rev. Neil Larimore and Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate.

Mr. Longest was born Jan. 15, 1940 in Prairie Green Twp., IL, a son of Samuel and Hazel Crawford Longest. He married Linda King on Oct. 21, 1961 in Prairie Green Twp. and she survives.

Other survivors of Mr. Longest include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Lori Longest, Cheryl and Kelly Smith and Tricia and Bill Huff, all of Milford; three sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Anita Longest of Alvin, James W. and Patty Longest of Buckley and Jeffery Scott and Betsey Longest of Milford; twelve grandchildren, Jade Ladd, Derek Smith, Lindsey Huff, Lauren Huff, Jessica Fish, Keaton Massey and Dionna Massey, all of Milford, Kristen (Rob) Champion of Lombard, Danielle Longest and Cody Longest of Alvin, and Hannah Longest and Tanner Longest of Buckley; one great-grandchild, Waylon Champion of Lombard; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Samuel “Leroy” and Doris Longest of Connecticut and Everett and Betty Longest of Milford; one sister and brother-in-law, Betty Jean and Jimmie Huckleby of Wellington; and one aunt, Esther Crawford of Watseka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George “Jr.” Longest and Carl Longest; and one sister, Joyce Huckleby.

Mr. Longest was a machinist for the Milford Canning Factory. He was a member of the NRA and the Conservation Club in Hoopeston. He was a racing enthusiast and enjoyed fishing, hunting, motorcycling and restoring cars and tractors. He grew up in Welllington and later moved to Milford.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Ambulance Service.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.