Jack R. Longnecker

12/18/1932 – 07/09/2026

Jack Russell Longnecker, known simply as Jack to all dear friends, Mr. L to his students, and Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Gramps, Pops, Papa Jack, and so many loving terms to our family, has passed away peacefully at his youngest daughter’s home in Bar Nunn, Wyoming on July 9, 2026.

Jack was born in Gillette, Wyoming to John E. and Maxine (Russell) Longnecker on December 18, 1932. Jack was no stranger to work and began helping his father with the family business in the “oil patch” at an early age in Edgerton, Wyoming where they lived. He worked in his dad’s shop as a welder and mechanic and traveled to the oil rigs to make repairs as well. While attending high school, he also drove the school bus and worked as a janitor in the schools with his best friend Ed Kinion, whom he considered the closest thing he had to a brother, and with whom he stayed lifelong friends. Jack graduated from Midwest High School in 1951. That fall, he started college at the University of Wyoming and completed two years of instruction in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, basic training, and annual summer trainings. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Industrial Arts) in 1956. In January 1956, he was appointed a Reserve Commissioned Officer of the Army in the grade of Second Lieutenant and reported for active duty and training on April 3, 1956, at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. On October 21, 1956, he was released from Active duty to the Army Reserve to fulfill the rest of his 8-year service obligation in Wyoming.

Then life began in full swing. Back home, Jack met a pretty, red-headed girl, Barbara Baldry. He asked her to dance with him at a local New Year’s Dance and fell head over heels in love. They married that same year on August 4, 1957, and they loved each other passionately forever afterwards. They were living in Rock Springs, Wyoming when their first daughter, Jackie Lynn was born on May 17, 1958. A year later their second daughter was born on May 6, 1959, in Kearney, Nebraska where Jack attended Nebraska State Teacher’s College and earned his master’s degree. Sadly, March 10, 1961, their third daughter was born, but she had a medical issue and only lived less than one hour. Jack and Barb were heartbroken, but they carried on, loving each other, and raising Jackie and Terri with unconditional love, dedication, patience, loyalty, and commitment to providing the best life they could for their family.

In the fall of 1961, Jack was hired to teach industrial arts at Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming where he taught machine shop and welding for 20 years. Jack (fondly referred to as Mr. L. by his students) loved teaching and appeared to be born for it. Many of his students have come forward with heart-felt stories of his influence on their lives. Jack was also a good friend, and he treasured his friendships made over the years. He would always give his time and help in any way that he could to friends and even people he did not know. If you needed help and he could provide it, he was there.

You can say all the same things and more for what he was to our family. He loved his family more than anything in the world. His face lit up when our mom or either one of his girls would enter the room, which was true up to his last day. He loved the mountains, and we have fond memories of weekends and summers spent in the Big Horns. He guided my sister and I through our growing years and throughout our lives with kindness, strength, understanding, patience, and never-ending love. He was the most selfless person we have ever known, and his family was always his top priority.

Dad’s love for his family extended even further to his son-in-laws, Jim - adopted by marriage to Jackie in August 1980, and Danny - adopted by marriage to Terri in November 2000. He loved them both and was grateful to have “good men” married to his daughters. They in turn loved and respected him as well. Two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter highlighted his life. Jacey was born to Jackie and Jim on May 9, 1986. Terri’s son Jesse was born on August 3, 1988, and Jesse’s daughter Wreika was born March 24, 2014. There was no end to Dad’s love for them too, and in true form he listened and supported, cared about their lives, and would give anything they needed as far as he was able to do it.

Jack, Mr L, Dad, Grandpa, Papa Jack – We love you dearly, we miss you, and we are so grateful that you were a part of our lives. There are no words to truly express the special person that you are to all of us. You will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. Enjoy time with your family, friends, and pets that you re-unite with now. Give them hugs from us and especially extra hugs and kisses to Barb, Mom, Grandma. We love you so very much, always, and forever.

Jack is survived by two daughters, Jackie (Jim) Neubauer, Terri (Danny) Hobbs, two grandchildren, Jacey Neubauer, Jesse Yates, and one great-granddaughter, Wreika Yates.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Elmer, and Maxine (Russell) Longnecker, one daughter, Barbara Lynn Longnecker, his wife, Barbara Jane (Baldry) Longnecker, and lifelong friend, Ed Kinion.

A graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bryan Elliott of the First Christian Church officiating. Following the service, we will have a reception at the FireRock Steakhouse in the Granite Room. Please join us there for snacks, more stories and shared memories about Jack, and feel free to share your thoughts and stories too.