William A. (Bill) Lange

William A. (Bill) Lange, age 78, retired deputy police chief of Temple, died Sunday, February 22, 2009 in a local hospital. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 25, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. John Roark officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday, February 24 at the funeral home. William Ardell Lange was born on a farm near Buckholts on February 21, 1931 to William and Irene Fuchs Lange. Bill was baptized in 1931 and confirmed at the Buckholts Lutheran Church. Bill and Betty Elizabeth Holloway were married on December 19, 1953 in the Hope Lutheran Church in Buckholts. They lived on a farm near Buckholts for a number of years before moving to Temple in 1963, at which time Bill joined the Temple Police Department. Bill began his career with the Temple Police Department as a patrol officer. Throughout his career he achieved the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major and retired as the Deputy Chief after 30 years of service. Bill was greatly respected by his fellow officers. They considered him a friend as well as their leader. His community achievements include: the Silver Badge award for outstanding Policeman from the Temple Chamber of Commerce, President of the Temple Rotary Club 1979-1980 and outstanding Citizen Award given by the Temple Civitan Club. Bill was an extremely talented musician. He was best known as a member of the Blue Bonnet Playboys. His first love was playing the organ, but he was also known for his talent on the piano and banjo. Bill was also a little league baseball coach for 20 years. After retirement, he spent most of days perfecting his woodworking and gardening skills. He received great satisfaction when giving his produce to his close friends and family. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Lange of Buckholts and his sister, Lina Dakel of Grand Prairie. Bill has deeply touched numerous lives and leaves behind many people that loved him dearly. He was a loving Dad, PaPa, Pops, husband and friend. He will be greatly missed by all. Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Holloway Lange, three sons; Eddy & Amy Lange of Heidenheimer, Alan & Laurie Lange of Belton and Dana Lange of Temple. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Clinton Lange of Temple, Andy Lange of Belton, Kendall Lange of Belton and Tiffany Lange of Temple. Other family members include; Bob Holloway of Gilmer, Madeline Langford of Gilmer and Floris Lange of Houston and nineteen nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Andy Lange, Bob Holloway, Roy Pitrucha, Marvin Elliott, Terrance Travland, Danny Baldridge, Dick Mayfield and Mark Bain. Honorary pallbearers are O. C. Neal, John Sly, Don Reed, Bill Henderson, Wallace Bartek and Dale Fletcher. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Keys Valley Baptist Church, 4393 W. US Hwy 190, Belton, TX 76513.