Dean Long was born in Salina, Kansas on January 15, 1944 the only child to Arthur J.R. Long and LaVerne (Hall) Long. After his mothers' passing he was raised by his maternal grandmother Pearl Hall from the age of 3 years old. Dean attend school in Salina, Kansas and was an alumni of Central High School where he graduated 1961. Dean accepted the Lord as his personal savior on May 10, 1973. He was called to serve the Lord as a full time pastor on September 2, 1976 for the Salina First Free Will Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Trymon Messer. He Served as Director of Education at the Salina Free Will Baptist Church from 1976 to 1984. He co-founded the Salina PD Chaplaincy and served as Chaplain for 8 years. Pastor Long moved to Bakersfield, California where he served as Bus Director at the Bakersfield First Free Will Baptist Church from 1984 to 1986. He has served as pastor of Shafter Free Will Baptist Church and Principal of Free Will Christian Academy beginning in February 1986. He founded the Chaplain program for Shafter PD in September 1990 and was named Citizen of the Year in 1995 for the City of Shafter. Pastor Long was a very dedicated man and served on multiple boards for California Free Will Baptist Church demonation for many years. Pastor Long was known by many as the "Red Wagon Pastor." He was proud that his wife and all of his children and grandchildren served the Lord alongside him. Pastor Dean Long was 70 years old when he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday October 26, 2014 in Shafter, California. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Johnette "Kay" Long; daughter Judy (Jeff) Lauderdale. Pastor Gary (Melissa) Long, Marcus Long; grandchildren Jacob Lauderdale, Joshua (Shandy) Lauderdale, Austin Long, Nolan Long, Abigail Long, Skylar Long and Silas Long. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur J.R. and LaVerne Long. Visitation will be held at the Peters Funeral Chapel Shafter, California on Thursday October 30, 2014 and Friday October 31, 2014 from 12-8pm. A Homegoing service will be held at Shafter Free Will Baptist Church on Saturday November 1, 2014 at 11am. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Shafter Free Will Baptist Church, 155 Redwood Drive, Shafter, Ca 93263; Office Phone (661) 746-6441.