Dr. Al Langford

Dr. Al Geddes Langford died September 10, 2010 after an extended illness. He was born July 23, 1927, in Goldthwaite, Texas to Margaret and Ernest Langford. He graduated from Brownwood High School. He attended Howard Payne College where he received his Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education and Masters of Education and Math degrees. His Doctorate of Education was received from Texas Tech in 1969. Langford was married to Nancy Jane Wade (also an HPU graduate) on November 23, 1955. During his college career, he was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. He was a 4-year football and basketball letterman for the HPU Yellow Jackets and was selected to the state All-Conference team as a quarterback for three consecutive years. After college, he played professional football on the Tiger Cat professional team in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Langford was drafted into the army, serving two years (1950-52) in the artillery branch before being transferred to the National Guard for 5 years. He returned from the armed services to enroll once again at HPU and earn his Master of Education degree. Howard Payne University honored Dr. Langford as both an outstanding and distinguished alumnus. In 1997, he was named to the Howard Payne Sports Hall of Fame. In 2005, he was named Grand Marshall of the Homecoming Parade for HPU. Langford served in Texas public schools as administrator, math instructor, and football coach from 1953 to 1968. Dr. Langford was the founding President of Midland College. He worked tirelessly with his staff in preparation for the inaugural year expecting 200 students; 600 showed up! Dr. Langford served as President of Midland College for 12 years. At the close of his tenure, the college had 2,700 students plus more than 8,000 annually in community service classes. The Al G. Langford Chaparral Center serves as a monument to his service. Dr. Langford entered the oil and gas business, and the next years were busy in a new way. He initially began his work with Henry Petroleum where he put together package deals in the industry. Later, he was president and founder of Al G. Langford Investments Co. and Luxe Energy Corp. During his lengthy career, Dr. Langford believed strongly in community service. He served regularly in many community service groups. Al loved playing with his grandkids. He always enjoyed fishing with his sons, brothers and nephews each year in Colorado. He also enjoyed being on the golf course and bird hunting with his buddies. Langford is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy J. Langford. The couple had 3 children who also survive him. They are Al G. Langford Jr. of Houston, Lance and wife, Brenda, of Austin, and Lee Ann Fisher, and her husband, Lynn, of Andrews, and five grandchildren. In addition to wife, children, and grandchildren Langford is also survived by brothers James Langford and wife, Jayne, of Abilene; Robert and wife, Nan, of Rockport; and sister Nell Bishop and husband, Bill, of Brownwood, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, and his sister Wanda Graham. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 2 to 4 pm at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring, Midland, Texas 79710. Services will be held at 11am on Monday, September 13, 2010 at the First Baptist Church of Midland, 2104 W. Louisiana Ave., Midland, Texas 79701. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Midland College designated for the Al G. Langford Athletic Endowment Fund, or Howard Payne University Annual Scholarship fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,