Delbert Ray Langford

Delbert Ray Langford came into this world on August 17, 1932, in Clarendon, TX. He was number 9 of the 12 children born to Alfred and Lucy Langford. Growing up in the plains of Texas, he learned to love family, farming, and the Lord. He attended Abilene Christian University from 1950-1954, earning his bachelors degree in Agronomy, then joined the U.S. Army and spent two years abroad in Germany. When his tour was done, Delbert returned to the place he thought he could find a wife: Abilene, TX. There, he soon met Beverly. Although it took him a while to fit into her busy social calendar, he managed to catch her eye and her heart in the fall of 1956. The two were married on August 17, 1957, on his 25th birthday.

They spent 23 years in the panhandle of Texas, primarily in Plainview, where their family quickly grew with the addition of daughters Lauri & Lisa, son Lane, and eventually Jennifer. The Langfords were always actively involved in the church, and their home was always open to neighbors, friends, missionaries, foster children, and even strangers. Delbert worked in agriculture, and though research was often his job, he couldnt stay away from farming. His face lit up when he drove past the pristine rows of a cotton field. He loved to have his hands in the dirt. He marveled at Gods handiwork in giving us food and clothing through plants, and joyfully passed on his knowledge to anyone who would listen.

In 1980 the family moved to the Rio Grande Valley, where they spent the next 19 years primarily in Weslaco, TX. There, Delbert thrived in his position as the General Manager of Rio Farms, an 18,000-acre research and demonstration farm. He loved his work at Rio Farms, but loved serving his church community even more as an elder of the Bridge Avenue Church of Christ. He taught Bible classes, eagerly ministered to kids in the colonias nearby, and went on mission trips in Mexico. He finally retired in 1999, and the couple moved to Utopia, TX, where they spent the next 21 years.

As a retired man, finally able to spend time on his hobbies, Delbert surprised family and friends with his talents as an artist. He spent time in his studio painting beautiful scenery and discovered his love for butterflies. Using leftover plastic containers, he would cut out butterfly shapes and paint them in great detail to make refrigerator magnets or garden stakes for plants. Over the years, he made and gave away thousands of butterflies. He gave them to friends, family, little children, clerks at grocery stores, waitresses in restaurants, tired nurses in hospitals, and strangers sitting in waiting rooms. This simple handmade gift was always quick to bring a smile and start a conversation. Theres no telling how many refrigerators around the country are adorned with one of Delberts butterflies.

Two short years ago, Delbert and Beverly left their home in Utopia to move to an apartment in San Antonio, nearer to some of their children and grandchildren. Delbert was well into his battle with dementia by this time. Though he suffered greatly from anxiety and a constant need for oxygen, he was never short on smiles and laughter. He maintained his warm, laid-back disposition until the disease took over completely. As one who had served the Lord faithfully and loved people fervently his entire life, Delbert experienced the fullness of Gods mercy when God relieved him of his suffering and took him home on July 22, 2022, just 3 1/2 weeks before his 90th birthday and 65th wedding anniversary.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Lucy Langford, by his siblings, Dorothy, Kenneth, Wilma, Hazel, Bernice, Foy, Irene, and Irma, and by his son, Lane. There is no doubt that a host of friends and family were waiting at heavens gate that morning to greet him with cheers and hugs.

He is survived by his faithful wife of nearly 65 years, Beverly Langford, their 3 daughters: Lauri (Kevin) Horton, Lisa Loney, and Jennifer (Brandon) Stephens, and 10 grandchildren: Michael (Ami) Loney, Erin Loney, Katie (JC) Cura, Meaghan Loney, Daniel (Sarah) Horton, Caleb Horton, Jordan (Jen) Sleed, McCartney Sleed, and, new to the crew, Grant and Will Stephens. Through this bunch, he was also blessed with 8 great-grandchildren: Madilyn and Caitlyn Loney, Benjamin and Matthew Horton, and Trea, Elle, and twins Amelia & Norah Cura.

Though he will be missed, Delbert Langfords love and legacy live on through those who were blessed to know him and love him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to:

- Nigerian Christian Childrens Home, 11010 Javalin Trail, Helotes, TX 78023

- Eastern European Missions, P.O. 55245, Hurst, TX 76054-5245.