Roll Call Tribute

Published in Dallas Morning News on July 20, 2017

Kenneth W. Langford(1933 - 2017)
Col. Kenneth W. Langford, USMC, (Retired), beloved husband, father, grandfather, generous friend and avid outdoorsman, passed away June 19. He was 83. Ken was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, the second of five sons to parents Amy (Lockwood) and former Rusk County Judge Charles Mastern Langford a petroleum engineer. His father's job took the family to Austin, Kilgore, League City and Houston, where Ken was a standout high school athlete at San Jacinto High School. He went on to play football for Texas A&M University and baseball for the University of Houston. But it was a chance $15 flight lesson in Houston that had one of the greatest impacts on his life. For two consecutive summers, Ken attended officer training for the United States Marine Corps in Quantico, Va. Upon graduation from UH, he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant. After attending Navy flight school in Pensacola, Fla., he served his country as a fighter pilot in both peacetime and during the Vietnam War, holding several commanding officer positions and flying more than 5,000 accident-free hours in Navy, Marine and RAF fighter and attack aircraft. He retired in 1986. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Medal with eight stars, the Defense Meritorious Service Award and several unit medals. Following retirement, Ken worked as an flight instructor, then as a hunting guide. His clients would eventually include then-Gov. George W. Bush. Ken later volunteered for Bush's presidential campaign in San Patricio County, his home for 30 years. Flying, the outdoors and conservative politics were passions for Ken. But all were outmatched by his love of family and friends. Ken never met a stranger. It was not uncommon for friends to arrive unannounced or late at night en route to their next duty station. He loved spending time with dear friends old and new. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Charles Langford, and his wife, Mary Frances. Ken is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marietta Langford; daughters Terri Langford and Stasia Langford; son-in-law Aaron Dick; grandchildren Michaela and Aidan Langford-Dick. He is also survived by his brothers Alan Langford and his wife, Jean, Philip Langford and his wife, Carmen, Ernest Langford and his wife, Kay as well as nine nieces and nephews not to mention cherished friends around the globe. Ken leaves this world with only one broken promise to his daughters. When they were small and pet deaths prompted questions about mortality, he assured them he would live until the sun burned out. We should all pass with such a winning streak. A memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m., July 22, at First Baptist Church in Mt. Enterprise, Texas. Ken's ashes will be scattered on the family's lake, among his first fishing spots. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ken's name be made to: Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Dallas or any cause that promotes preservation of the outdoors.