Joseph K. Langdell October 12, 1914 - February 4, 2015

[bigjohnsd]

Lost my Dad this morning. Peacefully passed in his sleep due to Pneumonia and general old age.

As many of you know he was the last surviving officer from the USS Arizona (BB-39).

The attack on Pearl Harbor and its aftermath were certainly the "Major Moment" in his life.

Born in Wilton Center, NH; the first son of the Milkman and the Cook as he liked to say. He was a National 4H delegate upon two occasions, met Eleanor Roosevelt in Washington DC while camping on the Mall for an annual 4H gathering. He was an Eagle Scout and remained involved in Scouting for the next 40 years serving as a Scoutmaster and adviser at many levels.

Dad graduated from Boston University in the middle of the depression having worked his way through in six years.

He married my Mom after a brief courtship, mostly by letter, in the lead-up to WWII. He often recalled and related the story about their Wedding Ring Set, the bill for which still rests in the safe in the USS Arizona Ship's Store.

In accordance with his desires he will rejoin his shipmates in the #4 Barbette of the USS Arizona next December 7th.

I miss him.

 

[beemerdons]

Our Sincerest and Deepest Condolences from The Stanley Boys, Godspeed: Rest In Peace.

 

[Dr. Rich]

John... Sorry to hear of your loss... Fathers that fought in WWII are hero's in my eyes... The men that served our country during this conflict suffered much and in silence after they came home... My dad flew B-17s during the war and spent just under two years as a POW. He never talked much about the war but I know he suffered from his injuries. I know you will treasure the American Flag that will be draped on his casket. I keep my dad's flag next to the one from my grandfather who fought in WWI. Remember the good times and his memory will always stay with you... Rich

 

[wnyfjr]

My condolences on your loss. I lost my Pops last October and I still have those moments where I think about calling him, and then remember...

 

[wheatonFJR]

My condolences to you John. Your father was a good man.

 

[Cav47]

Sad news for you. My prayers are with you and the rest of his family. He truly represented (represents) America.

I shared your Fathers story with some of the advanced kids in my class a while back. We had just started the WW2 Events and these kids need better material than I could provide them. They are due to give me some info back in a few weeks. Basically researching your dad is an advanced assignment for these students. I only hope their research of him does him justice considering his sacrifice and awesomeness.

God Speed!!

 

[BkerChuck]

My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Men like that hold a special place in history and many of them go unrecognized because they themselves spoke so little about their parts.

Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Sorry for your loss John. In two weeks, it'll be a year that I lost my dad, still can't believe he's gone some days...So I feel your pain.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Big John, I am very sorry for your loss. A dad's passing is a horrible thing. You will be in our prayers.

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

My father in law fought for 3 years in the Pacific during WWII, and he's fading lately. He can't really put a full sentence together anymore, and mostly just sleeps, so it won't be long. I know I will miss him.

These men were heroes of the highest magnitude. May your father rest in paradise in glorious peace. Prayers to you, John.

 

[07FJRVegas]

My sincerest condolences. Grief is the price we pay for love, the stronger the love, the greater the grief. No matter how old and how great a life our parents have lived, we are never ready to lose them. By all accounts, your father had a great and long life. May your grief turn back to all fond memories.

 

[Twigg]

Many condolences. I hope he passed in peace and dignity. He certainly earned it.

At the going down of the Sun,

And in the morning,

We will remember them.

 

[Fred W]

So sorry for your loss today, John.

Losing one's parent is one of the most heart wrenching times that happens to any child, no matter what your ages. At least you had the good fortune to have shared your Dad's life for a good long run. We can only hope for such good fortune as children, or as parents.

He sounds like he was someone very special, and not just to his family.

 

[Tyler]

Wishes for peace in your heart with the memories of a wonderful man and well-lived life.

 

[Teehaml]

Condolences to you and your family...

 

[FJRay]

Sad to hear John, He was truly an american hero.

My wife's mother passed yesterday so I understand how you feel.

 

[redjay]

Very sorry for your loss.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I am sniffing and trying not to tear up as I type this. While I know you must be sad to lose your father, consider how fortunate you have been. To have a father like that man, a true Hero, an officer, a gentleman, and a representative of all that is the best of this country, that was a privilege and an honor. Most of us can only imagine what it must be like to have a father like that to set an example for us to follow. I am sure he was as proud of you as you were of him.

May he rest in peace, and may you also find peace.

 

[lonerider]

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Your father sounds like someone whose life was well spent.