Sgt. Newton E. Long 1924-2004 "A steward who served God, a soldier who served his country, and a man who served his fellowman" Newton Ellison Long was born to Mrs. Diamond Geneva Long and Reverend Samuel Preston Long on 15 September 1924 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He joined Mount Olive Baptist Church as a youngster. Later on, with the family, he transferred his membership to Highland Park Baptist Church in Little Rock. Newton graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Little Rock in 1942. He was employed by the United States Department of Engineers in Little Rock briefly before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. In 1943 and most of 1944, Newton spent most of his time in training camps with the 761st Tank Battalion. They trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Fort Hood,Texas, and Camp Claiborne, Lousiana. Upon completion of training the battalion departed for England in August 1944. In November the 761st Tank Battalion became part of the Third Army, commanded by General George S. Patton, Jr. During the war the battalion participated in five campaigns in the European Theater of Operations.
After his discharge Newton returned to Little Rock and resumed his employment with the U.S. Department of Engineers. He also entered Dunbar Junior College and graduated in 1948. He married Ruthie May Carson in 1947, and they moved to Chicago, Illinois. Ruthie May died in 1996. Newton attended DePaul University Law School for two years, began raising a family, and became active in the Lawndale Presbyterian Church, where he was a member. He served as a Deacon, Trustee, and Scoutmaster. In 1951 Newton joined the Chicago Fire Department Engine 12, an all-black company on the South Side, the only black company in the 1st Division. In 1961 he was promoted to lieutenant and was transferred to the Bureau and assigned to Truck 11. In 1983 Newton was promoted to captain and transferred to Engine 108, where he remained until he retired in 1985. After retiring he worked as a process server for several years. Newton is survived by Flossie Nelson; three sisters; five brothers; his children, Charles H. Long, June C. Lee, Newton E. Long, Jr., Steven T. Long, and Brenda Weir; twenty grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
