@Bigmansj,
LDRs are a lot of hard work (as you are seeing). Clear and dependable communications are kinda key there. You don't seem to be getting either.
You were great when you were around, and you were even better when you sent money.
If he has feelings for you beyond that, then it's time for him to step up, as Beyoncé sings, and put a ring on it. Or something like that. If he talks marriage then start talking about when that'll happen. "Oh, someday" is for the birds. You're two grown men. A great answer is: "2019 so we can save up enough for a great party and the house will be done by then." or "How about next year? Is June too cliché?" or "Let's start thinking about that. My grandmother is ill but she's always said she wants to see me get married. Maybe we can work something out around that." or "Let's do some research and figure out if we need blood tests. If you contact the courthouse, I'll call the hall of records and let's make this happen as soon as possible." Even "I love you; you decide." at least is something.
See what I mean? There's a definiteness to these things which doesn't come from "someday" or "you're the guy I want to marry". Well,
when?
You deserve to know where you stand. You've been a couple for a while. You are entitled to not be kept in the dark.