LEWIS THOMAS LONG, JR. "TOM"

Recovering at home after surgery, Lewis Thomas Long, Jr. (Tom) passed away in his sleep on December 12, 2025.

The youngest of three children, Tom was born on October 16, 1954, in Wasco, CA to Lily and Lewis Long, Sr. From a young age, he loved the outdoors and the mountains. He loved living in the mountains, chopping his own wood, and fishing in nearby streams. He was a true mountain man. But eventually, he and Cathy, his wife of 46 years, moved to the city and made Bakersfield their permanent home.

Tom worked as a millwright and an industrial-building maintenance supervisor. He was a talented mechanic who mastered many trade skills and always emphasized safety in his work. Throughout the western United States, from Alaska to Texas and many states in between, his jobs included breaking down and rebuilding gas turbines and supervising a crew to remodel and refit industrial/manufacturing buildings. Tom was an amazingly strong man - stronger than 10 men. In contrast, he had a gentle spirit, was exceptionally kind and always willing to help others. He was our "gentle giant."

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Long, Sr.; his mother and stepfather Lily and Clifford Rosenow; sister-in-law Patricia Askew; and beloved daughter Lacy Kress.

Survivors left to mourn his passing include his loving wife Cathy; cherished daughter Lucy Long; sisters Lisa Meehan and Leah Huber; son-ln-!aw; Anthony Kress; nleces Lisa, Tammy, and Theresa Askew; nephews John Huber (Stacey), Jason Fransham (Joelle), and Christopher Huber (Melissa); granddaughter Riley Kress; grandsons Seth, Jr. and Adam Cervantes; numerous cousins, and many friends.

A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.