Josh was born on December 18, 1984, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Richard Barton and Colleen Contri Langer.
Josh was a 2004 graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. He earned an Associate’s degree from SCI and a Bachelor of Arts degree from UIS. Josh was a loving and family-oriented man. He enjoyed golfing, camping, music, and cryptocurrency, specifically NFTs. He was a member of the SHG Golf team, SCI Golf team, and UIS Golf team. His golf accomplishments included winning the Springfield High School boys city tournament, All-Conference honors for 3 years in high school, finishing 2nd in the Springfield Men’s City Tournament, winning the Panther Creek Club Championship, 4 holes in one, and many other outstanding rounds of golf. Josh could light up a room when he walked in. He had charm, a wonderful smile, a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a loving soul. He loved having fun and playing with his sons. He would even put on a Tigger outfit to go trick or treating with them. His family was the most important thing in his life. He was loved and had love for everyone, especially his 2 sons, JJ and Thomas, whom he talked about every day. The world will miss Josh, but heaven has gained a special person.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Val Contri and paternal grandparents, Morton and Dorothy Langer.
He is survived by his sons, JJ (Joshua John) Richard Langer and Thomas Francis Langer; parents; Richard and Colleen Langer; sister, Lindsay (John) DeRosa of Springfield; grandmother, Mary Contri; two nephews, Elon and Reeve DeRosa; 13 aunts and uncles; 23 cousins; and beloved dog, Izzy.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Sherman, IL. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Church Activity Center where lunch will be provided. Everyone is welcome.
Private family burial will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to college savings accounts which have been established for his sons, JJ and Thomas. Contributions can be sent to: JJ and Thomas Langer College funds, Wells Fargo Advisors, 2941 Greenbriar, Springfield, IL 62704.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
