John Luther Langdale

JOHN LUTHER LANGDALE, 92 John Luther Langdale, 92, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Bartow. Born August 21, 1932 in Bartow, Florida, Mr. Langdale, “Luther”, was a 1951 graduate of Summerlin Institute in Bartow and attended the University of Florida. He served in the U.S. Army, 22nd Infantry, serving in Communications in Kirch-Gons Germany. While in the Army, he and his high school sweetheart, Frances Irene “Rinkie” Powell were married on April 5, 1953 in Folkston, Georgia. Mr. Langdale began a 30-year career with Peninsular Telephone Company (later became General Telephone Company) in Bartow in 1956. He retired as an Engineer with General Telephone in 1987. Mr. Langdale was a member of McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church in Bartow. He and Rinkie were also active in the Hickory Knoll United Methodist Church during time spent at their vacation home in Franklin, North Carolina. Mr. Langdale joined the Bartow Volunteer Fire Department in 1957 and served until the department became inactive in 2009. Luther was extremely proud of the work accomplished to erect a bronze statue in the department’s honor. Mr. Langdale was also a life member of American Legion Knowles G. Oglesby Post 3. Luther always tried to serve and help others. He will be remembered by some for the tales he often told. Mr. Langdale was preceded in death by his parents, Butlar and Minnie Langdale, a sister, Katherine Langdale Byrd and his bride of 62 years, Irene. Mr. Langdale is survived by his daughter, Phyllis L. Thompson and son-in-law, John; brother, James W. Langdale and other extended family members. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 12 from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will then begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home and will conclude at Wildwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church Christmas Project Fund, 695 W. Stuart St., Bartow or the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Condolences to the family may be made at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com