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Joseph Lang Obituary
He was a scion of pioneer Florida families, born and raised in Gainesville, and a graduate of Gainesville High School and the University of Florida. He was 79 years old.
Mr. Lang was a retired naval officer who commanded two ships and a naval recruiting district, among other assignments. He was a combat veteran of Vietnam, where he served as advisor to a Vietnamese Navy Coastal raiding group.
He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Tri-County Gator Club, Save Our Suwannee, Inc. and the National Rifle Association of America, as well as the Military Officers Association of America, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and other military/naval organizations.
Mr. Lang lived on the Suwannee River ancestral home property in Dixie County. He enjoyed shooting, fishing, boating and Gator football.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie and his brother, James Frederick.
Survivors include his sister-in-law of Gainesville and her family, two step-children of New Jersey and their families, and his two special friends and caretakers.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Milam Funeral Home, 22405 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry. A reception will immediately follow the service. Burial will follow in Old Town Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 1455550, Cincinnati, Ohio, or dav.org.
Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 22405 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669. 352-472-5361.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lang
Sponsored by Lt. Nolan Nelson, USNR.
Larry Siple
November 5, 2015
Capt Lang was one of two commanding officers I worked for on the Westchester County. He promoted me to Leading Radioman When I was a RM3, the billet wanted RM1. He had faith in me and gave me the encouragement needed to do the job in the various situations the WESCO encountered between 1970 and 1972. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to serve under Capt. Lang.
I am sure he his in a good place with family, friends and old ship mates now. Gods speed and comfort.
USS Stribling DD-867 then Lt. Joe Lang who always carried a Bowie knife - a special Officer and mentor to many young sailors and junior officers.
Michael Wagoner
May 25, 2015
Remembering today my Operations Officer and mentor Lt. Joe Lang who I served with on the USS Stribling DD-867 1964-66. Lt. Lang convinced me to not reenlist in the Navy for a fantastic duty station but to reenlist for Radio "B" school (advanced electronics)... It was a tough decision but he was right. I am very sad that I tracked him down too late. I am proud to now know that he made Navy Captain having commanded to Navy ships and spent a year in country in Viet Nam as an adviser..... He recently passed away - I should have tried harder....... I will think of him often.
Nick Gardner
May 15, 2015
I just learned of Joe's passing.. I served under Mr. Lang on the U.S.S. Terrebonne Parish - LST 1156. in 1961 and maybe some of 1960.. He came aboard while I was there 1959-61... He was an excellent officer to serve under and all the shipmates had a lot of respect for him.. Saw him last at our reunion in Pensacola... Our hearts and prayers go out to Joe's family...
Al Wittich
March 6, 2015
Captain Joe, what a leader, how wonderful it was to know him these few short years. Joe was a special person and an inspiration to all who knew him.
RIP Joe
Jack Miller
February 23, 2015
Joe was a great friend and loyal mischief maker during our high school days. He is one of the friends who added a lot of fun to the lives af all who were lucky enough to be counted among his friends.
Patricia Miller
February 22, 2015
Jack Miller recalled that he, Joe, Franklin, ,Ralph and several others enjoyed many late-hour high school escapades and re embers with pleasure knowing this fine friend.
February 22, 2015
Captain Joe, you will indeed be missed at our future gatherings. I am so glad we were able to see and visit with you in Jacksonville. You were such an inspiration to so many, both on board and for years after. May you now have calm seas and trailing winds. You fellow shipmate and friends. Jim and Susan Yeager
Nolan Nelson
February 20, 2015
Captain Joe Lang's leadership transformed a nerdy golf shop assistant into a competent Naval Officer over eighteen months. The process began just days after reporting May 1970 to the Westchester County LST-1167 as my first assignment, and continued through a longsuffering commitment to my success. That same essence of character manifested itself throughout the ship and resulted in consistent excellence.
I joined the ship in DaNang Vietnam and our next stop was homeport in Yokosuka. The ship set special duty stations for entering port, and probably sooner than usual because heavy fog in Tokyo Bay enclosed the ship. Since I was not assigned a duty station, I began plotting contacts at the bridge radar repeater. If a contact was closing on the ship, I would tell the Officer Of The Deck (OOD) the bearing at which it should appear and its target angle. The contacts increased extensively until there were about 200 within five miles, but still no visibility. We were now adjacent Yokosuka and had to cross several lanes of shipping in these unregulated channels.
While I was intently focused on the screen, Captain Lang stopped next to me and asked if we could safely make the turn to enter port. I instantly answered in the affirmative. He then proceeded to the open bridge and ordered the OOD to make the turn. I was shocked, because no one ever had, or in subsequent civilian life ever did, base such a critical decision on my analysis.
I could now relate several instances when he intervened as I made mistakes which would have resulted in groundings, collisions, and substantial loss of life. However, in every case later in the day would come the messenger saying, Mr. Nelson, you have the next watch. His final performance evaluation of me said, LTJG Nelson is an industrious and hard working young naval officer who is a credit to both his ship and the Naval Service.
February 20, 2015
Joe: It has been awhile since I last had the opportunity to enjoy your philosophies. We know you and Lea are together in heaven, that makes our sorrow easier to bear. Enjoyed knowing you, for so many years and as all of our WESCO Captains you are well respected and loved. Al & Ginny Carson
Rob Long
February 20, 2015
Joe was an amazing man. He was a father figure to me. He taught me honor and respect, and even wrote me a letter or recommendation to enlist in the USMC. He will be forever in my heart. Men of Joe's caliber are a rarity.
Rosemary Huskey
February 20, 2015
Joe and I met in Kindergarten in Gainesville, Florida, at the University of Florida lab school, P.K.Young. We again became classmate in junior high school and have kept in touch the last decades through the annual GHS mini-reunions. Joe was a special friend and will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Old Friend, Rosemary Diettrich Huskey (classmate)
Paul Maier
February 18, 2015
Joe Lang was a special leader who taught me many valuable life lessons as a young Naval Officer. He was a superb mentor, motivator and friend to all with whom he served. We will miss Joe dearly but will treasure our many years of friendship!
Jim Newton
February 16, 2015
Much like my attitude towards my father the older I get the smarter Captain Joe gets. It took a special kind of man to lead a ship like the WESCO... He was indeed that special man. A great loss to all who ever came in contact with him and were influenced by him.
February 16, 2015
I served with Captain Lang from late 1969 to mid 1971 on board the USS Westchester County, LST-1167. Over the past 20 + years we met every year at the WESCO reunions and became very good friends. He was a true American Hero and I am proud to have been able to call him my friend. Both my wife and I will miss him.
Robin Norcutt, USN retired
John & PJ Nosek
February 16, 2015
Joe was a mentor and father figure to all of us in the USS Westchester County (LST1167) Association. His wit and wisdom will be sorely missed.
Annie Horne
February 13, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ed Jones
February 10, 2015
I was saddened to read of the passing of Brother Lang, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and chapter brothers. The SigEp Patriots Project will always remember Joseph, his life, and his patriotic service. RIP Sir, We have the watch.
February 10, 2015
Condolences to the Lang family
Alison Stevens DCEMS
February 9, 2015
I truly loved Mr Joe as we affectionately called him. He was not just a patient, he was my friend. I will miss seeing him but I know that he is finally at peace.
February 8, 2015
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort you and the family during your time of sorrow. Psalm 119:76
Saj
February 4, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the family during this time of sorrow. (1Corinthains 15:26) (Isaiah 61:1,2) Please find peace in knowing that He understands your grief and He cares. 1 Peter 5:6, 7
February 4, 2015
My prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Joe Lang.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Cranford
DCEMS
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