Uncle Darrell, may you rest in peace. Aunt Pat and family I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. Love, Misy and Mike Pruett

I have many good memories of Darrell, Pat and "Sammy" going back to Sam and Regan's days at the Developmental Center. We also appreciated Darrell's (and Sam's) work with officiating at sporting events. We are comforted by the trust that he's now freed from that body that had quit working like he wanted.

After living our entire lives and retiring in the State of Washington, my wife Kathy and I relocated to Southwest Missouri in July, 2006. We moved here due to the birth of our first grandchild (a girl), who was two months old at the time and is now an eighth grader at Ash Grove Junior High. I was a veteran football official (referee) with forty years' experience in Washington...and moving 2000 miles away and attempting to get involved in a new community and transfer into a new officials' association could have been very intimidating. Among the first officiating friends I made upon taking up residence in Ozark and being invited to join an SMFOA varsity crew were Crew Chief/Referee Kent Long, Umpire Darrell Long (no relation to Kent) and Head Linesman Johnny Fite. That first season was quite a learning experience for me - both on and off the field - and I owe a lot to Darrell for his personal friendship and critical role as local historian. I have many fond memories of "road trips" to small communities throughout SWMO and learned as much during our time traveling to and from games as many individuals do in their entire lifetime. Darrell and his wife Pat are wonderful individuals who have definitely "walked the talk" regarding their personal relationship with Christ and serve as inspirational role models for others to follow. Although Darrell is already and will continue to be missed in the Gerla household, we know that he is in a much better place where worship and praise are unceasing and pain and suffering are no more. Much love to Pat, other family members and all who loved Darrell Long so dearly.

Darrell was the best grumpy Umpire to trod Friday night football fields.

Darrell was a great guy! He had a good sense of humor and a huge heart! It was an honor to be his friend.

I have fond memories of Darrell when he volunteered in the gift shop. He was a special man.

Darrell will be missed dearly by all. A great man, father, husband, and friend to all he knew. We love you all! Kathy and Rob Shirley

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.