Obituary – Richard “Dick” Longfellow
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Lee Longfellow, who departed this life on May 9, 2026, in Houston, TX, following a short illness. Born on September 16, 1939, at home in Conway, IA, Dick lived a life centered around family, hard work, laughter, and the people he loved most.
Dick was the son of Ivan Lee Longfellow and Thelma Joyce (Polsley) Longfellow, and he shared his early years with his siblings Diana, Pat and Dixie. After graduating from Clearfield High School in 1958, Dick attended Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College, now known as Northwest Missouri State University, in Maryville, MO. He later answered the call of duty by serving his country, beginning Army Basic Training at Fort Carson, CO, and completing Advanced Individual Training with the First Armored Division’s 46th Infantry at Fort Hood, TX, where he honed his skills in handling firearms.
On October 12, 1968, Dick married the love of his life, Maralene Larsen, in Clearfield, IA. Their union of 57 years was blessed with four daughters: Monica, who predeceased him at the tender age of five, Mary, Michelle, and Megan. Together, Dick and Maralene built a beautiful life full of family, community, and shared adventures.
Dick began his career by joining his father in the family water well business before they established Longfellow Drilling, Inc. His strong work ethic allowed him to retire at the age of 62 in 2001. Dick always embraced life’s adventures, belonging to organizations such as the Clearfield United Methodist Church, the Clearfield Lions Club, and the Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors. In his later years, Dick joined the Cheyenne Regulators, a Single Action Shooting Society Chapter in Cheyenne, WY, the Cheyenne Gold Wing Club and started scuba diving.
A lifelong hunter, Dick found joy hunting every fall for 23 years around Encampment, WY. His love for the outdoors was only rivaled by his enthusiasm for collecting guns and rocks. Known for his sharpshooting skills, Dick earned numerous awards and State Championships for his age group with the Cheyenne Regulators. Camping was one of Dick’s great joys, and he often referred to his camper as ‘home.’ He especially enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends. When Dick and Maralene recently moved from their Wyoming home for Oklahoma, they left behind the geese, deer and other birds that Dick regularly fed.
Dick’s personality was as colorful as his vocabulary. A hard worker with a penchant for humor, he was known for his trademark expressions like “42” and “god dammit Maralene!”. Known for falling asleep at the wheel and being unconcerned with appearances, he was once humorously gifted a “golden shovel” at a Longfellow Drilling Christmas party, a nod to his love of keeping tools clean. Dick immensely enjoyed his grandkids and following their activities. Poppa was very proud of them and liked telling everyone how smart they are.
He leaves behind four strong women in his wife Maralene, his daughters Mary Mathison and her son Lance of Woodward, OK; Michelle and Chris Wyant and their daughter Mahala of Katy, TX; Megan and Chris “Jasper” Evans and their children Coy, Cassidy, Cash, and Cross of Fort Supply, OK. Sisters Diana Pantry of Lancaster, MO and family; Pat Kemery of Blockton, IA and family; Dixie and Kenny Larsen of Clearfield, IA and family. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Connie Larsen of Clearfield, IA and family; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family as well as dear friends Mike and Karen Schaefer of Maloy, IA and family.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Monica; his parents; his infant sister Connie and his in-laws, Orrin and Dorothea Larsen.
He was truly one of the good ones, quick to make people laugh, someone who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and easy to be around. Dick will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
A memorial will be established in his name to honor his memory. A Celebration of Life will be held in Clearfield, Iowa on August 29, 2026; the location has not been selected. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support, kind words, thoughts, and prayers during this time of loss.
