Earl "Bud" Longfellow III

Earl “Bud” Longfellow III, of Washington went to be with his Lord and Savior unexpectedly on November 28, 2018 at the age of 78 at 3:00pm OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg IL. 

He was born on December 23, 1939 in Hoopeston IL to Earl Jr and Nadine Longfellow. He married the love of his life Loretta Thompson August 31 1963 in Hoopeston IL and they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. 

He is survived by his wife Loretta, three sons and their families, Thomas Andrew (Deborah) of Ellicott City, MD, Gregory Alan (Heather) and their children Kathryn and Philip of Washington IL and Kevin Scott (Carla) and their children Lindsay (Nahum) Sotelo and their daughter Eleanor of Washington IL, Lauren of Nashville TN and Landon of Washington IL

He grew up in a family of eight children and he is survived by three sisters Linda (Randy) Chestnut, Sherry (Danny) Coon and Terri (Gary) Bell all of Hoopeston IL. His parents, two sisters Connie Warner and Carolyn Carswell and two brothers Larry and Danny preceded him in death.

He graduated from Hoopeston High School where he was an outstanding athlete and went on to graduate from Eastern Illinois University with a Master’s Degree. He taught at the High School in Palestine IL from 1966-69. He then moved his family to Washington IL in 1969 and taught Drivers Ed at Washington High School until 1976. He and his wife took a leap of faith and purchased a franchise business from Interstate Battery in 1976 in which the family still prospers from to this day over 42 years and counting. 

He was always involved with his sons activities, coaching and attending their events. He also loved watching his grandchildren in all of their activities including sports, theatre and band. He almost never missed an event. Always coaching and giving advice before, during and after the game.

He loved telling stories, even if you had heard it several times before and he never met a person he couldn’t talk to or like. He was a man of deep faith and love for the Lord and attended Washington Christian Church where he served as a Sunday School Superintendent and deacon. He will be deeply missed by all who had the chance to know him as he was kind and generous to everyone.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00am, Monday December 3, 2018 at Washington Christian Church.  Pastor Jeff Browning will officiate.  Visitation will be Sunday, December 2, 2018, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington from 3:00pm until 5:00pm.  Additional visitation will be from 10:00 until 10:45am at the church.  Burial will follow his service at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to Washington Christian Church.  To share a memory or send a condolence please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com

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