In 1954, the Big Spring Steers nearly won a state championship. But, alas, they lost the game to Port Neches 26-13 on a rain-soaked field. It was the last time the team would make it to the finals.

This year, on Halloween, the quarterback lost his battle with lung cancer.

Frank Long, 89, the youngest of three sons of Albert Edward Long and Virtie Onie Lee Long was born in Big Spring where he attended school and was named to the high school's hall of fame. A brother, James Earl, 16, drowned in the city pool, while another brother, Eddie Lee, died in his 60's.

Frank went to work for Empire Southern Gas Company as a summer job but stayed on for 30 years, working his way up to service department manager, before retiring in 1984.

He joined the Texas National Guard in 1957, serving two active duty terms four years apart. He continued his love of sports, pitching softball for an industrial and church league. He played bass for a popular band, the Versatones, who traveled around West Texas playing for dances. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Too young to retire, he went to work for himself, buying, renovating and reselling houses in Big Spring, Llano, Burnet and Kerrville.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, China, of 67 years; two daughters, Leslie and Mike Hudson, Austin and Lisa Long, Houston; grandchildren, Matt Hudson, Rachel Hudson, Sofia Lowery, Jack and Colby Hudson; and great-grandson, Marshall Hudson.

In 2003, Frank and China moved to Kerrville to begin a never-ending vacation in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

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