OBITUARY
Gary Lee Lange
September 5, 1946 – January 22, 2021
Gary Lee Lange, age 74, of Temple, died peacefully on Friday, January 22, 2021 at a local hospital.
Gary was born on September 5, 1946 in Taylor, TX, to Clarence Max and Katie (Bachmayer) Lange. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor, TX where he graduated Salutatorian in 1964. He then went on to St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX where he earned a degree in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, in 1968. He later earned advanced degrees from Prairie View A&M in 1979 and Tarleton State University in 1991 and 1996. Gary moved to Temple, TX in 1968 to start his first job as a teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School. There he met the love of his life, Christine (Valley) Lange. They married at St. Mary’s in Temple on November 30, 1974.
Gary devoted his life to education, and sharing his love of learning. He touched many lives through his career as a science teacher, administrator, and board member. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and many service organizations in his community including the Knights of Columbus and LRA Lions Club. Gary’s favorite past times were playing golf, spending time with his grandsons, watching the Astros, Fighting Irish, and Texas Aggies, and talking with friends. Those that knew him would say that he never met a stranger. It brought him immense joy to run into former students, friends, and colleagues while running errands and delivering flowers for Woods Flowers. He was also an avid gardener, often rescuing plants that others had given up on and bringing them back to life. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Gerald Valley, and his son Ryan Patrick Lange.
He is survived by his wife, sister, Linda Lange of Austin, mother-in-law, B.J. Valley of Temple, son, Justin Lange and wife Kelli of College Station, daughter, Katie Turnley and husband Brian of College Station, and two grandsons.
A private interment will be held at Taylor City Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in the future when it is once again safe to gather.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840, or online at www.txamfoundation.com/give. Please reference Gary Lange Memorial.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Gary Lee Lange
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYPhil Leibowitz, Jr.
February 3, 2021
Chris and Family, please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your sweet Gary. He was a tremendous individual! Let your shared memories give you strength in this special time ahead.
May God Bless You All!
Jo Ann & Phil Leibowitz, Jr.
Temple
Sandra (Heller) Jones
February 2, 2021
I had the privilege of being one of Mr. Lange's first students when he taught at St. Mary's in Temple. He was our 5th grade teacher.
Shortly after I started attending public school in Academy I was quite surprised to find Mr. Lange would once again be my teacher.
He was one of a kind; a rare human being, an example for all. He was a dedicated, kind and caring soul, quick with a smile. It never mattered how much time had passed since our paths had crossed, he asked about my family was always genuinely interested in where life had taken me and how I was doing.
In all my days as a student and today as an adult, I wish everyone could be as blessed as I was to have a Mr. Lange for a teacher and example of pure goodness. He will be missed.
Rosa (Martinez) Hernandez
February 2, 2021
Dear Chris and family:
It is with a very sad heart I extend my condolences to you. He was such a fine, gentleman and teacher. He was such a kind and happy person. He loved our Lord. He loved you all dearly.
I remember him fondly during my years at Academy High School.
I am sorry to hear of his passing. May the peace of comfort be with you all. May he rest in peace in our celestial home.
Peace and Grace,
Rosa L Hernandez
Patricia Armstrong
February 1, 2021
I knew Gary from Rogers ISD. He was such a nice caring man. He was a great educator for Rogers. He always had a smile and was so friendly . I will treasure all my memories of Gary. May God grant your family peace during this time and cherish all your memories
Love,
Pat Armstrong
Stuart & Cindy Michalk
February 1, 2021
We are probably slightly partial but we think one of Gary’s nicest legacies is his family. Chris, Katie, Brian, Justin, Kelli, Beau & Hayes, we pray for your comfort & peace. We will always remember Gary’s smile, big heart & easy conversations. We are proud to call him friend.
Lonnie Shepherd
February 1, 2021
I have known Gary for many years. He always had a friendly smile and ready to talk. He will certainly be missed.
Michelle Savoie
February 1, 2021
He was the Greatest Principal Rogers School ever had! Many would agree. Respectful,Kind,Caring and Happy Person. He will be Greatly missed by many.
Ann Love
February 1, 2021
Mr. Lane was a great teacher and friend. Many funny times in Biology. He was always kind with a heart of gold. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Darla Craft
January 31, 2021
Mr. Lange will be dearly missed. He was a great man that definitely made an impact on many lives.
Kevin Sprinkles
January 31, 2021
Gary was one of the folks that made me feel so very welcome when I came to Academy ISD many years ago. Gary was truly a good person and an outstanding educator. I know he made a tremendous difference in the lives of many students. He sure made a difference in mine. Thank you Gary for being a friend.
Bonnie Hancock-Rhymes
January 31, 2021
Oh my heart. I am broken hearted. He was only my principal for a short while, but he was always in my life in some capacity, friend, or mentor, my entire life. His influence and impact will never be lost on me. To his family, thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with the rest of the world.
Theresa Mireles
January 27, 2021
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Lange and the entire family. Mr. Lange was a great teacher, so kind and giving. I will always remember his million dollar smile. I am so happy to have reconnected with him these past few years as we attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church together. May his soul Rest In Peace and all his good deeds of cherishing and giving so much of his time, love, passion and intelligence to his students be his living testimony of a life well lived.
Dorothy Sefcik-Collier
January 27, 2021
Great memories of Mr.Lange’s study hall. He was always ready to give me a pass to go to the gym so that I could practice shooting baskets or do my 100 free throws. Most of the time when I walked in he was handing me the pass and laughing! He was such a nice person that loved all of us kids. I also remember he would let us eat candy in study hall. He was always willing to help with homework. We all thought he was pretty cool. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with his family.
Susan and Larry Turner
January 27, 2021
We remember Mr. Lange for his passion for all the Kids at Academy and his gentle way of treating everyone with respect.
I always enjoyed my conversations with Gary and how he was always respectfully candid.
May you Rest In Peace Gary Lange !!
Prayers for peace and comfort for the family during this time.
James Hejl
January 26, 2021
In the beginning, Gary was "Mr. Lange," my science teacher at Academy High School. There are so many memories, from dissecting critters in biology class to near-catastrophes in chemistry class. But as the years passed, the seeds of a friendship took root, and after graduation, "Mr. Lange" became Gary. I remember the joy of too many conversations to count and of being present for Gary and Chris's wedding. Later, I found out that Gary grew up in Taylor, where I've now spent the last 35 years, and that he would check in on me from time to time through the Taylor Daily Press. I'm so very thankful that Gary began his teaching career at Academy High School all those years ago and that he has been (and will always be) a part of my life. My love and prayers are with all of Gary's family.
Candy Bland-Coley
January 26, 2021
I knew Gary for awhile. He was my neighbor & my boss as Assistant Superintendent at Academy ISD. Gary was very upbeat & always had a big smile! His love for the education business & students was apparent. Such a friendly personality...he will be missed. Sending prayers for Chris and all the family.
Stacy Ashby Cosper
January 26, 2021
He was a great Science teacher. He drove our bus on band trips for many years.... prayers for his family....
Mac Parks
January 26, 2021
I remember that Mr. Lange was passionate about being a science teacher. He was GOOD at it and it made his class interesting. My condolences to the family.
Susan BOLTON
January 26, 2021
I am so sorry to read of Gary’s death. My favorite memory of him was at the Astrodome years ago. He saw my mom holding her grandson & both of them were asleep (my mom & her grandson.). Gary & I talked about that over the years. RIP.
Patsy Smith
January 26, 2021
I enjoyed knowing & working with Gary, was really thankful he taught two of my children!
Oscar and Sandra Martinez
January 26, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Lange’s (GL) passing. He was our teacher and friend, and, we shared many stories and laughs through the years. Praying for comfort and peace from God, for Chris and your family. Hugs!
Nicole Clark
January 26, 2021
I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Lange. He was my science teacher and I really admired him. He was a great teacher and a kind-hearted person.
Paul McCray
January 26, 2021
Prayers for the family of Gary Lange. Gary was a teacher, mentor and friend. He always had a smile and was a pillar at Academy High School for decades. Gary you will be missed.
Paul and Lisa McCray