Blake Anthony Long
Blake Anthony Long, 26, of Hamshire, died Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston. Blake was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 14, 1997, to Danny and Toni Long. His sister, Nicole Swanstrom, was so excited to become a big sister.
Blake grew up in Santo and attended Santo schools. Blake was very active and played soccer and basketball but loved basketball most. He was actively involved with his youth group at First Baptist Church Santo and enjoyed spending time with his friends, playing games and fishing. Blake came to know the Lord at 6 years old and always knew he wanted to serve the Lord with his life. Blake graduated Valedictorian from Santo High School in 2016 and began his journey at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, the following fall. During his time in Denton, Blake attended First Baptist Church Denton and their college ministry Overflow. His last two years at UNT, Blake served as an intern at Overflow and answered the call to ministry. He was a friend to everyone who walked in the doors. Blake graduated from UNT Summa Cum Laude in 2019 with a degree in Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS).
During his time at Overflow, he also met and dated his wife, Kennedy. They were engaged in the Spring of 2020 and married August 15, 2020. Blake and Kennedy moved to Hamshire, Texas, to begin their ministry at Hamshire First Baptist Church leading youth students. He loved his students, his wife, and his two dogs, Goob and Virgil. Blake graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023 with a masters in Theological Studies. He was passionate about making students feel accepted and welcomed and exuded the love of Christ to everyone he came in contact with. He enjoyed going to all their athletic, academic, and personal events.
Blake and Kennedy are to welcome their first baby in May 2024. He was a phenomenal son, an even better husband, and would have made the greatest Dad. He was loved by all and will be missed beyond words.
Survivors include his wife, Kennedy Long; mother, Toni Long; father, Danny Long; sister, Nicole Swanstrom and husband, Joel; mother-in-law, Karen “Kris” Tullos; father-in-law, Carl Tullos; sisters-in-law, Keegan Tullos and Sarah Tullos and husband, Nick; and nephews, Kamden Tullos and Cullum Kettlety.
A gathering of Blake’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. A Celebration of His Life will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at First Baptist Church, with a luncheon fellowship to immediately follow in the Family Life Center, under the direction of Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer, Winnie. His graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Bosley Cemetery, 196 Palo Pinto Street, Santo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Renew Student Ministry, P.O. Box 369, Hamshire, Texas 77622. (Please make checks payable to First Baptist Church-Hamshire.)
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
First Baptist Church-Hamshire
- 25304, Highway 124, Hamshire, TX, 77622,
- January 16, 2024
- 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
First Baptist Church-Hamshire
- 25304, Highway 124, Hamshire, TX, 77622,
- January 17, 2024
- 10:00 am
Graveside Service
Bosley Cemetery
- 196, Palo Pinto Street, Santo, Texas, 76472,
- January 18, 2024
- 2:00 pm
Lynn and I are truly sorry to hear about Blake. He had such a calm sweet spirit about him when he came to talk to the family when my father in law passed away and then also spoke to me after the funeral. I really appreciated the kind words he had to say. What a sad time.
What a shock! Sorry Danny and Toni i never got to meet such an amazing person. We know he was loved by a wonderful family. Prayers for all.
Kennedy,
I am so sorry for your loss, I had the privilege to meet Blake when he would come up to Bingman when he would help out at family nights. He was kind and always had a smile on his face. Just know that your family are in my prayers.
We are so sad to hear of Blake’s passing and offer prayers for both families. God bless.
‘Well done, good and faithful servant! Share your master’s joy. Matthew 25:21
Blake was a very precious young man . God had his arms around him is whole life. I know his family will be forever bless because that young man always put them first and he wrapped all of their lives in Gods love with his prayers. We love you all and praying for Gods peace
Please know that you have been in everyone’s thoughts and prayers. This is shocking and a great loss to the Hf community. He was a great friend and role model for our youth in the community. God will give you comfort and peace.🙏🏻
This may be the best obituary picture I’ve ever seen! Blake was an amazing gift sent by God. He made his mark on so many, especially the youth! He will be deeply missed. He fulfilled God’s mission in just a few short years. Prayers to everyone who knew and loved him!
Words cannot express how heartbroken we are that Blake has left us so soon. He made such an impact in our church, in Hamshire, America and it sounds like many other communities. I can’t help but wonder how many more hearts he would’ve impacted with his contagious love for Jesus. We have to accept that God has a divine plan and while we don’t understand it, He is working.
Kennedy, you are so loved. By Blake, by your church family and by your Savior who promises you will see your beloved again. Until then, you and your baby will remain in our prayers.
Thank you, Kennedy for your and Blake’s selfless commitment and love to our church and the community. There are no words to describe how much Blake will be missed. May God wrap His arms around you, during this time, and bring you peace and comfort. May He bless you and your baby. Just know, you have so many people here for you and praying for you daily.
In His Name,
Ashlee & Robert Jacobs
I was only at UNT for about a year and a half until transferring to Texas A&M to finish my degree. One thing that stood out to me when I first went to overflow was how welcoming Blake was. He instantly made you feel like you belonged there. Although I did not get to know Blake as a close friend during my short time at UNT, I know that his impact was great. I am currently serving in full time ministry, and the people at overflow played an important role in helping me not run from my calling after going through some really hard times. I pray that I can one day show the same love for Jesus and for others that Blake did every single day. Praying for his friends and family in this difficult time.
We are so saddened for the family and community in the loss of such an upstanding human being. Blake made his whole life a contribution to others.
Peace be with you all in this sorrowful time.
Blake and Kennedy, I love you both ♥️. I had the privilege of working with Blake at FBC Hamshire from his first day until I retired December 2021 and then again for a few months this past fall. I thought of You Blake as one of my grandsons, you were such a joy to be around! This grandmother called out to Blake many times for computer help! We will never forget you. Thank you for showing us all to love like Jesus. I will pray daily for Kennedy and your baby, and be there for them. Thankful for the promise of Heaven and that we one day will see you again ♥️
Thank you Blake for the kindness extended to my son at Shorthorns for Christ. You made a lasting impact on Max and we are forever grateful.
In Christian Love,
Daniel, Michelle, Ava and Max Hidalgo
What a remarkable young man who loved the Lord, his family, church ministry, life.
May God wrap His arms around Kennedy & baby, his parents, sister, & all of his family. Our continued orayers for all who loved Blake Long.