05/29/2026
We’re often amazed to learn how closely tied Longhorn Barbecue is to the lives of some area families.
Just ask 89-year-old Barbara Delanoy.
In 1971, Barbara and her husband, Kenneth, transferred from Michigan to Fairchild Air Force Base. They bought five acres, started working, and raised their family. Barbara worked for the Civil Service on base. So did Kenneth when he retired from the military. They lived there for 46 years, and the Longhorn was their go-to restaurant.
“We frequented the Longhorn a lot over those 46 years,” Barbara remembered. “My husband always loved Longhorn’s barbecue. It was the family place to go in Airway Heights, and the place to go with your co-workers or for any special occasion.”
The couple's daughter, Kim Schafer, remembers family meals at the restaurant. "My mom and dad were wise about their money. When we went there, my brother, my parents, and I, it was always for something like a birthday. It was special.”
Kenneth passed away in 2019. But Barbara and Kim made sure to mark what would have been his 90th birthday on April 17, 2026, by sharing a meal in long-loved surroundings. It’s what families do.
“It was important to be with my mom,” Kim said. “I am so happy that the Longhorn is still thriving because it is such a special place, and they do have such great food, and they build such incredible memories.”
Barbara and Kim ordered The Rustler – three meats, a baked potato, and a side of beans in honor of Kenneth.
"My husband thought they had the best beans," Barbara told us. "His favorite meal was always the biggest one with all kinds of meat and, of course, the beans.”
Then, the two topped off the meal with Kenneth’s favorite dessert - warm apple pie à la mode.
We are honored you chose to commemorate Kenneth’s 90th birthday with us. Thank you for sharing your story and your memories.
And thank you, Barbara, for your meaningful review, “The food was as good as it ever was.” That made everything we do worthwhile.
