Monte Teddy Long of Sadler, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Denton, Texas, surrounded by his family as he took his final breath. He was 80 years old. Monte was born on August 19, 1944, in Minot, North Dakota, the son of the late Arthur and Malena Long. He was a proud enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation, a descendant of Louis Baker, and belonged to the Dripping Dirt Clan. He was also the beloved brother of Fred "Emo" Motschman, Linda Elwood, Josephine Kjonaas, Arthur Long Jr, the late Ilajean Reams, and the late Louis Long.

Monte lived most of his adult life in Irving, Texas, where he worked as a full-service delivery driver for Dr. Pepper. Known by many simply as "the Dr. Pepper man," Monte was memorable, not just for his work, but for the way he connected with everyone he met. He had a gift for honest conversation—you always knew where you stood with Monte. He did not sugarcoat a thing, but it always came from the heart.

After retiring, Monte moved to Lake Texoma, just outside Big Mineral Marina, to enjoy the peaceful life he dreamed of. Though health kept him from fishing in his later years, he found deep joy in his dogs, watching golf, cheering for Notre Dame football, and—most proudly—witnessing his beloved Chicago Cubs finally win the World Series. He was blessed during these later years to form a tight knit community with his neighborhood and church friends.

Monte was a man transformed by faith. In 2018, he found the Lord and was baptized at a local Baptist church. In recent years, he worshiped at Cooke County Cowboy Church, where he found a close-knit community and a deep love for the music and fellowship.

He is survived by his sons Mark Long (married to Dawn Long), Michael Long (married to Jessica Long), and his daughter Malena Long (Companion Xavier Sanchez). Monte was the proud grandfather of six: Bradley and Grayson (Mark's sons), and Lillian, Michael "Mikey," Helene, and Charles (Michael's children). He also leaves behind two beloved dogs—Polly the Pug and Gigi the Bichon Frisé—who rarely left his side.

If you ever asked Monte how he was doing, he'd flash a grin, glance at the sky, and say, "I don't see any buzzards circling. I'm still alive, so good."

A funeral service to bid farewell will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sandy Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3633 Sandusky Road West, Whitesboro, TX 76273. The service will be officiated by his friend and pastor, Rick Carney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Monte's honor to the Christian Renewal Center in Dickinson, Texas—a place he deeply supported through his faith and friendship with Kim Brown. https://retreatcentercrc.org/support-the-crc

In the Details please put "In Monte Long's honor"
Christian Renewal Center
1515 Hughes Road
Dickinson, Texas 77539