Paul was born July 23, 1941, to Floyd and Katherine (Lei) Longden in Spearfish, SD. He was the firstborn of four siblings and was always a wonderful older brother, watching over his younger siblings with compassion and care. After graduating high school, Paul went on to study Agriculture at SDSU. He took ROTC as a Junior, and due to this commitment, he began his career with the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam in the Medical Corps as an administrator.
After returning home to the States, he married Greta Kumley. Together they moved to El Paso, TX, in 1972. In 1975, he was sent to be a company commander in Wurzburg, Germany, where he spent much of his time visiting historical sites and going on Volksmarches. He visited Lourdes in France, climbed the Alps, and continued on Volksmarching. He returned home once more, and then went on to finish his degree in Healthcare Administration at Concordia in Moorhead, MN, and shortly after began working in Poplar, MT. It was there that he and Greta started their family, having three children, Jolene, Victoria, and Jonathan, whom he loved and cherished with patience and care.
Paul was always one to meet a challenge head-on. As a healthcare administrator, he could go into a struggling facility and turn it around, making sure it was being run more efficiently. He loved his job, and that showed in how he encouraged and supported his employees, especially those that were struggling. He would often make cinnamon rolls for all his coworkers, and if you'd ever tasted one, you would know what a treat that was.
Paul was never afraid of a new adventure and especially enjoyed traveling to historical sites with his younger brother, Steve. He loved reading (anything historical), and enjoyed old western movies and music alike. Any movie with John Wayne, and any song by Hank Williams, was a favorite of Paul's. He liked to tell ghost stories, and loved taking care of animals. In retirement, he cared for ducks, geese, chicken, and dogs, his two favorites being Shoelace and Raphael. He was a wonderful father, brother, and uncle, and especially enjoyed teaching his children to play chess and Risk.
Paul Keith Longden, 78, of Redig, SD, died Monday, March 2, 2020, at the Department of Veteran's Affairs, Fort Meade.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan Longden (Rebecca Longden-Powell); his daughters, Victoria Longden, and Jolene (Kevin) Carter; sisters, Betty Ann Christiansen, and Paulett Tryon; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Katherine; an infant son, Samuel Keith Longden; and his brother, Steve Longden.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2020, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father Timothy Castor officiating. Committal services, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

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