Mike Longton

Thomas Michael “Mike” (“Nackie”) Longton, age 73, of Columbus, MS, passed away on January 16, 2024, at his residence. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mike was born on August 19, 1950, to the late Ernest William and Mary Priscilla Longton. He received his undergraduate degree and a master’s degree from the University of Arizona, and a second master’s degree from UNC at Chapel Hill. He received his doctorate in Spanish Literature from the University of Alabama. Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by Billy Longton, brother, Andy Longton, brother, and Mary Kwiatkowski, sister.

Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, Holly Loveland Longton; son, Ben of Columbus; daughter, Katy and her fiancé Zane Vogel of Kansas City, MO; brother, Joseph and his wife Nancy of Nellysford, VA; brother, Noel Longton and his wife Suzanne of LaFargeville, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his Longton clan.

Mike lived in many places throughout his life, but his hometown was Clayton, N.Y.  He had many fond memories of his years living there, and visited and kept in touch with relatives and close friends who still live in the area.

Mike loved music, especially bluegrass, traditional, and  folk music.  He played the banjo and acoustic guitar very well, and loved playing and singing songs for others. He liked to make up songs and used music in his teaching as well.

Mike was fascinated about hispanic cultures, and he spoke Spanish fluently. He and Holly lived and taught English in Barcelona, Spain, from 1981 to 1985. In his position as Spanish professor at MUW, he made many wonderful “study abroad” trips with students to Cuernavaca, Mexico over the years.

He attended First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, and was thankful for his supportive church family.

Mike was very interested in history and in his family’s genealogy.

Mike greatly loved his wife, son, and daughter, and his many pets. He was also a very loyal friend, and was always willing to help others.

He had a unique sense of humor, which his family enjoyed and so misses.

If you feel so inclined, please make a donation to The American Heart Association.