Gerald Longjohn Sr

December 1, 1936 - April 8, 2020

Gerald Arthur Longjohn Sr. (Gerry) went to be with the Lord on April 8, 2020. He passed away peacefully with his wife of nearly 64 years, Marjorie, at his side at home in Tahlequah, OK, after a short but hard-fought battle with lymphoma. Gerry was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 1, 1936 – a date that marked the beginning of an incredible journey filled with faith, love, and devotion. After receiving his diploma in Missionary Training from Moody Bible Institute in 1960, he and his wife, Marjorie, began serving the Lord with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) in the Arabian Peninsula. From 1964-1982, Gerry served in a variety of roles at the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, including field chairman, pastor, hospital administrator, and director of building maintenance. In 1982 the Longjohns moved back to Kalamazoo where Gerry served as the Great Lakes representative for TEAM. He continued to serve in that role faithfully until his “retirement” in 2016 at the age of 80. Gerry also became involved with TEAM India in the late 1980s, representing the organization and working with churches and pastors across the United States to garner support for the work in India. He made over 30 trips to India, developing an undeniable love and affection for the culture and the people. Gerry also pastored churches both locally and globally, including in Michigan, Wisconsin, and the United Arab Emirates, and will forever be remembered for his inspiring sermons and pastoral leadership. Gerry loved spending time with his family, especially his 13 grandkids, including hosting a unique “Cousin’s Camp” every summer in Michigan that brought them all together. He also enjoyed building and fixing things. His family always said that if Grampa couldn’t fix it, it was truly broken. This included cars, of which he owned at least 42 in his lifetime, his first and favorite being a 1929 Buick that remains in the family to this day. Those who knew Gerry remember his devotion to the Lord and his family, his kind and caring nature, his sense of humor, and his commitment to helping others. He touched hearts and left a legacy around the globe that will be passed from generation to generation. Gerry is preceded in death by a daughter, Jan Marie, his parents: Florence and Arthur Longjohn, two brothers: Dale and Donald, and three sisters: Gerrie Durian, Marilyn Price and Grace McIntyre. Gerald is survived, loved, and remembered by his wife, Marjorie; four children: Cherie (Tom) Trefilek, Geralynn (Brian) Calderwood, Ruth (Ray) Zielinski and Gerald (Beth) Longjohn. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Trevor, Alex, Rhiannon, Catherine, Ben, William, Phil, Olivia, Andrew, Spencer, Emma, Owen and Micah, 5 granddaughters-in-law: Mallory, Elizabeth, Courtney, Katelyn and Jessica, two great-grandsons: Nolan and Quentin, one sister: Ruth (Frank) Abelard, and many nieces, nephews, and friends around the world. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date in Kalamazoo, MI. Condolences can be sent to Marjorie Longjohn at 1228 Oakhill Lane, Tahlequah, OK 74464. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TEAM, designated to the Marjorie Longjohn Ministry Fund: https://team.org/give Give Your Tax-Deductible Donation To TEAM team.org TEAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sending missionaries and church planting around the world. “Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful – I Corinthians 4:2”. Gerry Longjohn was faithful, to his Lord, to his wife, his children, colleagues, and friends. Gerry heard his Savior say: “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into your reward”. Gerry and Marj traveled many places together, for the first time in 1964 to the Middle East and for the last time back to the Middle East in October 2019. He made his final trip to glory on his own. We miss him terribly but know that we will be with him again someday.