Stephen Michael Long, 65, of Versailles, MO, passed away at 3:53 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, MO.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 28, at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico. Visitation is Monday from 11 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Stephen was born on September 10, 1956 in Mexico, MO, the son of Albert Joseph and Bertha Mae (Fountain) Long, Sr. He graduated from Mexico Senior High School in 1975.

Mr. Long had worked for the City of Mexico and City of Versailles, where he retired. He also owned Yaba's BBQ in Versailles and is well known for the many baseball games that he worked as Umpire for various leagues.

Stephen will be remembered for his outstanding athletic successes as a track runner, football, and baseball player. His 300-bowling average led to the nickname "Yaba"! He loved fishing and for sure he ALWAYS caught the biggest fish!

Stephen was a member of St. Paul CME Church in Mexico and attended Second Baptist Church in Versailles. He was a volunteer for the fire department for Morgan County. Mr. Long loved bowling and was a big supporter of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and the Polar Bear Plunge. He is well known and loved in so many communities for his friendly character and willingness to help where he could.

Survivors include his mother, Bert Long of Mexico; his siblings, Albert J. (Susan) Long, Jr. of Mexico, Jaye (Lowell) Jackson of Mexico, Clifton (Kim) Long of Mexico, Myneia "Colley" Timmons of Mexico, Scott (Charlene) Long of Mexico, Rico (Brandy) Miller of Columbia, Supreme Allah of Columbia, Kendale Carter of Columbia, Troy Daye of Sedalia and Miranda Brown of Moberly; five children, Stephanie (Bryan) Williams of Mexico, Nada Thomas of Columbia, LaAdrian McGruder of Oklahoma, ShaNay (Adrienne) Long of California and Morgan (Brandon) Long of Versailles; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Albert Joseph Long, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Albert and Josephine Long; maternal grandparents, Herbert and Emma Fountain; one sister, Jacqueline Christian; and one brother, Kevin Long.

Memorial donations may be made to the Relay for Life. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265