Robert Richard Long

Robert “Bob” “Butch” Richard Long

Robert “Bob” “Butch” Richard Long, 74, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born on September 14, 1951, in Independence, Missouri, to Robert W. Long and Betty Rice Long. He graduated from Van Horn High School in 1969 before attending Wentworth Military Academy, where he was a member of the Honor Guard and proudly graduated in 1971. He later earned a master’s degree in Airport Security from the University of Central Missouri.

As a young man, Bob achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that reflected the leadership, determination, and character he carried throughout his life. He was especially proud to be the only member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say to receive the Robert H. Mooney Award. Mooney was a graduate of Wentworth Military Academy and is revered in the academy’s history for his heroic actions as a fighter pilot during World War II.

Bob dedicated much of his professional life to the water industry, where he left a lasting impact on the communities he served. He was credited with helping build the Hardin Water Plant and the Tri-County Water Authority, accomplishments that stand as part of his enduring legacy. He took great pride in building projects that would serve others for generations.

In 1992, Bob married the love of his life, Valoree Beretta Maycock. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and shared adventures. He was a devoted husband and a proud father to their daughter, Whitnee, cherishing every opportunity to spend time with his family.

One of Bob’s greatest passions was aviation. He found peace and freedom in the skies while flying his beloved Cessna 210. Whether planning his next flight, taking airplane trips with friends, or simply enjoying the view from above, flying brought him immense joy.

Along with his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanetta Long Shaw.

In addition to his loving wife, Valoree, he is survived by his daughter, Dr. Whitnee Maycock (Shane Gore), grandson, Brenden Gore, and granddaughter, Harrington Rudy Lou Gore. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Don Shaw, nephew, Jeff Shaw (Anita), sister-in-law, Denise Beretta (Don Wester), brother-in-law, Kirt Beretta (Carla), and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

More than his many accomplishments, Bob will be remembered for his integrity, intelligence, unwavering work ethic, loyalty to friends, and deep love for his family. Whether he was improving his community through his work, sharing stories with those he loved, or taking to the skies in his Cessna, he lived with purpose and quiet determination. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the communities he helped build, and the countless lives he touched.

Visitation for Bob will be held on Wednesday, July 8, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Wentworth Military Academy Museum 100 13th Street. Lexington, MO 64067. A funeral service will immediately follow from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Burial will take place at Mount Washington Cemetery 9015 E US HWY 24 Independence, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wentworth Military Academy Museum in honor of Bob’s lifelong appreciation for the academy and its lasting impact on his life. Memories of Bob and condolences for his family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the Walker-Nadler Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler Funeral Home in Lexington, Missouri. 1720 S St, Lexington, Missouri 64067 • 660-259-2245