Langford, John Den, Jr.
Birth: Monday, September 19, 1949 in Pensacola, Florida
Residence: California, Maryland
Death: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at the age of 66
Laid to Rest: in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
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CAPT John Den "Gerbil" Langford, Jr., USN (Ret.), 66, of California, MD passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at home, in the arms of his loving family. He was born on September 19, 1949 in Pensacola, FL. His parents were the late John Den "Jack" Langford and Lorraine "Lammers" Langford.

John graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and commissioned into the Navy in November of 1973 through the Aviation Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola. He proudly earned his Naval Flight Officer "Wings of Gold" and began flying the EA-6B "Prowler" out of NAS Whidbey Island, WA. His Naval cruises took him from the Mediterranean to the coast of Japan but always brought him back to Whidbey Island where he met and married Terri (Long) his "Pretty Smurfette" in June of 1984.

John was very personable with a terrific sense of humor which served him well as he moved his Bride from the beautiful islands of the Pacific Northwest to the desert of Fallon, NV. While standing up "STRIKE U" at NAS Fallon, NV and still trying to persuade his wife that the Navy would send them to beaches around the world, they had their first son, John Den "J.D." Langford, III in January of 1986. Shortly thereafter, they were blessed with their second son, Daniel Paul Langford in December of 1987, while stationed at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA.

John's service culminated with two tours of duty at the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, CA where he retired as the Commanding Officer in 2000 after 27 years of meritorious and honorable service. Gerbil flew over 2,000 hours in the EA-6B and hundreds of hours in various other airframes to include the FA-18B. Relocating one more time to California, MD, John began his second career at Northrop Grumman and retired again in 2012.

Throughout John's life he was a devoted father and husband. He was "Mr. Fix It" around the house, automobiles or anywhere he happened to be. He enjoyed his routine at the gym and the occasional race. Always up for a new experience or challenge, he learned to snowboard at 50 and to rappel and rock climb at age 64. Though in perpetual motion, John always had time for a romantic getaway with his "bride" and especially enjoyed cruising.

In addition to his beloved wife, Terri, John is also survived by his sons, John Den Langford, III of California, MD and Daniel Paul Langford of New Bern, NC; a niece, Amy Kantaras of Kearney, NE; brother-in-law, Jay (Suzie) Long of Oak Harbor, WA; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Tracy Kantaras.

Family will receive friends on Monday, October 5, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with prayers recited at 7:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Monsignor Mike Wilson on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 14400 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, or a Veterans Organization of your choice. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
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