Ronald E. Longly, 91, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Cozad Community Hosital.

Ron was born October 20, 1923, in rural Lexington, Nebraska to William and Eva (Lemmer) Longly. He lived on the family farm his entire life.

He attended Dawson County #7 rural school and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1941. He then went on to further his education at the University of Nebraska. Ron served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He served from April 24, 1945, until his honorable discharge on April 24, 1947. After college, he returned to the farm. He was united in marriage to Mona Bauer on June 1, 1948, in Lexington. The couple was blessed with five children; Nick, Jim, Sharon, Deb and Tom.

Ron was always an active part of the Lexington community. He was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church as well as the Knights of Columbus. He was active in the VFW, American Legion, Dawson County Democrats, Dawson County Plum Creekers horse drill team and had previously served on St. Ann’s Catholic School Board.

To say Ron and Mona loved to travel would be an understatement. They loved to take the family on special trips and each one of the grandchildren was given the opportunity to travel with their grandparents. When Mona was elected president of the National VFW Auxiliary, Ron traveled by her side and loved the opportunity to see many areas of the world.

Christmastime was a special time and many family traditions were carried down generation to generation. The annual Christmas tree trimming tradition is a favorite memory.

Ron enjoyed a good discussion about various topics and could talk your leg off for hours. He loved the farm, the cattle and checking the Markets daily. He was also an amateur weatherman. Paul Harvey’s talk, “So God Made a Farmer” summed up Ron’s life perfectly. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends.

Survivors include his wife; Mona Longly of Lexington, Nebraska; children, Jim (Pat) Longly of Lexington, Nebraska, Thomas Longly of Lexington, Nebraska, Sharon (Terry) Jorgensen of Lexington, Nebraska and Deb (Ryan) Berggren of Stromsburg, Nebraska; daughter-in-law, Claire Longly of Fullerton, Nebraska; fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren with three on the way, five stepgrandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; son, Nick; grandson, Curt, step-granddaughter, Brandi, and sister, Maxine Renken.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 9, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jorge Canela officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Lexington.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 8 2015, from 4-6 p.m. with Wake Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or Heartland Military Museum.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com