Stephen Michael "Yaba" Long

September 10, 1956 - February 23, 2022

Stephen Michael “Yaba” Long, 65, of Versailles, passed away at 3:53 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born on September 10, 1956, in Mexico, Missouri, the son of Albert Joseph and Bertha Mae (Fountain) Long, Sr. He graduated from Mexico Senior High School in 1975. Yaba 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. He 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! Yaba 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. He 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 five children, ShaNay (Adrienne) Long of California, Morgan (Brandon) Long of Versailles, Stephanie (Bryan) Williams of Mexico, Nada Thomas of Columbia and LaAdrian McGruder of Oklahoma; his better half, Tammy Hester of Versailles; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; 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 and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Yaba 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; one brother, Kevin Long and his special friend, Arthur Lee “Rico” Jones, Jr. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 29th, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles. A celebration of life will follow at 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home, with Reverend Robert Ross officiating. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.