Michael Clarence Long

Michael “Papaw” Long, 60, of Danville, Illinois, passed away on November 4, 2025.

Michael was born on December 5, 1964, to Terry and Patricia Long in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He graduated from Danville High School in 1983.

Michael shared many wonderful childhood memories with his sister, Carrie Aguirre. He also spent time traveling across the United States with his grandparents — adventures that shaped his lifelong love for exploring and meeting new people.

Mike had a big heart and never enjoyed being alone. He had too much love to give — and, as he often joked, “too many ex-wives to list.” Through these chapters of his life came his greatest joys: his children and stepchildren, who all shared treasured moments and memories together.

Mike’s first marriage brought into this world Brittany and Michael “Little Mike”, along with stepsiblings, Amy, Jacob, Lucas, and Keegan. His second marriage brought Amanda, Kayla, and Andrew into his life. His fourth marriage brought Adam and stepsiblings, Andrew and Andrea.

Mike was a hard-working man through and through. He began his career at Steak ’n Shake, working his way up to General Manager. His next adventure was perfectly suited to his personality — becoming a part-owner, and later the sole owner, of The Little Nugget Steakhouse, fondly known as “The Working Man’s Country Club.” Mike cherished the many years he spent there, forming lifelong friendships with regulars and taking pride in being a positive influence in his employee’s lives.

Prior to selling The Little Nugget, Mike joined the United States Postal Service part-time. He quickly realized he enjoyed not being the boss and took pride in his work as a rural carrier, serving the Danville and Oakwood areas. Soon after, Mike sold The Little Nugget and started full time with USPS and built strong connections with residents on his routes and valued the friendships he made with his USPS coworkers — especially his dear friend, Virginia Banks, whom he often spoke highly of.

For a short time, Mike also “moonlighted” as a DoorDasher and proudly claimed the title of the area’s number one delivery driver. Work wasn’t just a job for Mike — it was part of who he was.

When he wasn’t working, Mike loved spending time outdoors and with his children and grandchildren. He made family a priority — organizing yearly trips, camping adventures, and amusement park outings filled with laughter and love. His retirement dream was to follow in his grandparents’ footsteps by traveling the country in an RV and exploring the world beyond.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Long; and father, Terry Long. He is survived by his significant other, Sheri Walker; his sister, Carrie Aguirre; his children, Brittany Long, Michael Long (Kassie), Jacob Frank (Abigayle), Amanda Clark (Lawrence), Kayla Long, Andrew Long (Felicity), and Adam Long; his grandchildren, Ja’ Riah, Lawrence Jr., Kinley, Anthony, Jonathan, Kiah, Brielle, Jaidyn, Quintyn, Joziah, Wynter, Faith, Kamari, Evelyn; his great grandchildren, AJ and Emeri; his niece and nephew, Cameron Taylor (Caleb) and Zoe Lindsay, and great nephew Drake.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Little Nugget Steakhouse on November 23rd, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. For any further information, please call Michael Long at 217-799-2807.

Michael Clarence Long will be forever remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. His baby blue eyes, contagious laugh, and everlasting smile will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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