Kevan Leif Long

November 08, 1954 - June 07, 2021

Kevan Leif Long, age 66, of Topeka died early Monday morning, June 7, 2021, after a lengthy illness. Born to Oren and Vera Long on November 8, 1954, Kevan grew up on their farm in Valley Falls, attending school there while helping his parents and siblings raising livestock, tending crops, and pitching in to help with the many daily chores that farm life requires. 

Kevan served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam war. His time in the service took him all over the world, but he spoke fondly and often of his experiences while stationed on the island of Guam. It gave his family so much pleasure to listen to his stories of the warmth and openness of the people of Guam, the perfect weather, endless food and music, and the beauty of the landscape. It was always his dream to get back there someday. 

On August 27, 1982, Kevan married his sweetheart, Annette Butterfield. Together, they bought a home in Topeka where they raised two children, Katheryn Long (Jeremy), and Kyle Long (Sara) until their paths diverged. Kevan’s children blessed him with two biological grandchildren, Oren Long and Bailey Bentley, and five step grandchildren, Ryker, Aunika, Asher, Paige, and Michael, who were loved and cherished equally. Kevan liked to remind his family that he put his grandchildren, all of them, above everyone and everything. They were his world.

Also profoundly loved by Kevan were his siblings, Eric, OJ, Lisa, and Colleen. Growing up with them helped to shape him into the person we all loved, and their impact on his life was immense. 

Kevan was a deeply private person and kept his illness “close to the vest.” In the days following his passing it has come to light that he chose not to disclose his illness to most, even very treasured friends. If you find that you were one of those people, please understand that that was just Kevan’s way. 

There were so very many special people in Kevan’s life that cannot be listed here. Thank you all so much for loving him. He loved helping people and it brought him a special sense of pride to give his best through his work at Environmental Pest Control until his retirement. 

Kevan asked that there be no services after his passing, and he has been cremated as per his wishes. A gathering of friends and family to honor Kevan may be coordinated at a later date.