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David Langdon Obituary
He donated his body to UT Southwestern Medical School, and requested that no memorial service be held in his honor, but rather that you toast him with a moment of silence and a sip of your favorite beverage!
Memorials: Remembrances may be made in the form of donations to Cancer Care Services, (817) 921-0653, 623 S. Henderson, Fort Worth, Texas 76104.
David Langdon was known for his quick intellect, lively sense of humor and skilled story telling. He maintained many friendships across years and continents. A lifelong lover of travel, he often entertained fellow travelers with stories from his days in the military.
As a young flight surgeon, he was told to join a pilot at the field for a trip through the sound barrier in an F-94. After reaching Mach 1.08, the pilot performed a low-level buzz of the field, blasting the afterburner a few feet above the skeet range, putting his wing commander colonel in the mud. David had overcome his acrophobia, but still had to face an angry and muddy colonel.
Later, while serving as physician to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, he spent several days convincing the Russians to provide a theater in which they could screen the film, "Around the World in 80 Days." Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Todd, there to promote the film, then invited him to join them for dinner in celebration of their first wedding anniversary.
A native of Spokane, Wash., he graduated from Washington State University, Phi Beta Kappa, and Washington University School of Medicine, cum laude. Post graduate training included University of Pennsylvania, University of California San Francisco, and University of Washington. He pursued specialization in gastroenterology at Walter Reed Hospital.
He was a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, having served as a physician to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, 1957 to 1959, on the faculty of the School of Aerospace Medicine, and as chief of medicine at hospitals in Wiesbaden, Germany, and Andrews Air Force Base, where he was flight surgeon to the chief of staff's team. He received the Legion of Merit for founding the teaching program in gastroenterology at Wilford Hall, U.S. Air Force Medical Center in San Antonio, and caring for numerous POWs.
He was in private practice in Arlington for 20 wonderful years. After his retirement from practice, he taught at UT Southwestern as a clinical professor, receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award in gastroenterology for 2003. In 1997, he was honored with one of the first 10 National Distinguished Clinician Awards from the American Gastroenterology, and has numerous publications within his area of specialization.
Survivors: His loving wife of 44 years, Marie; daughter, Ashley Luke of Atlanta, Ga.; son, Mark Farris of Virginia Beach, Va.; two grandchildren; and his sister, Sally Skinner of Bellevue, Wash.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Langdon
Cynthia Davis formerly Fluke
May 24, 2005
Dr.Langdon was the most amazing person to work for. He had a incredible memory for all his patients names and phone numbers. I will miss him dearly.
Cynthia Davis
Arlington,Tx
Jennifer (Vernor) Walterscheid
April 19, 2005
Mrs. Langdon and Ashley- I am so sorry it has taken me so long to write in here. I wanted you to know how sorry I was to hear about Dr. Langdon. He was such a dear man to our family and was so helpful to us all medically. I know WE never could have made it through Daddy's cancer and everything without him by our side. Then when I too had to see him a number of years later he too explained everything to me in terms I actually understood. He will be greatly missed by all of us and so many others. May God Bless you all during this time..
Love-
Aubrey
April 13, 2005
He is a wonderful man and i will miss him greatly. This makes me so happy to see all these people who cared about about him and he helped when they needed him. Marie you are a very strong women and your strength will be very helpful now that he is gone. I love you both very much and I wish I could have spent more time with the both of you, but I know he is watching now and I will make him proud. I love you both very much. He will live on through his family and the people he touched.
Richard Gower
April 11, 2005
I was saddened to hear of the death of a good friend and former partner here in Spokane, Wa. We shared a number of good times, kept in touch, and I was always impressed with his committment to patients and quality care. We who knew him will miss his friendly banter and his patients will miss his compassionate caring. Rich Gower, MD
Melinda Fleet
April 5, 2005
Ashley,
I am very sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mel
Paige Kuppinger
April 5, 2005
I was saddened to hear of the death of David Langdon, whom has been a friend of my parents these many years. I will always remember his vivacious outlook on life & memorable stories. His contributions as a friend, family man & physician will be sorely missed. I would like to send my deepest condolences to his wife & family.
Sincerely,
Paige Kuppinger
Laurie Stafford
April 4, 2005
As the daughter of Dr. Langdon's original partner, I have had the privilege of knowing David and his family for the past 25 years. I feel honored to have accompanied him on his "grand tour" of Arlington. He used to tell me that it solidified his decision to move here.
Over the years, David and Marie became part of our family. We have shared many wonderful celebrations together - graduations, marriages, child births. I have so many fond memories of David and countless stories by which remember him.
David was always so supportive of my siblings and me. Encouraging us in all of our various endevors. For example, he gladly wrote numerous letters of recommendation on my behalf to all of the colleges that I applied, and later, to prospective employers. I am sure his creative writings helped sway things in my favor on several occassions. And, when I announced my engagement, David and Marie threw a beautiful shower for me in their lovely home. This, of course, is only a small sample of David's kindness and generosity.
I will truly miss his visits to my office and sharing stories with him. He was a remarkable man that will be forever treasured by me and my family. Our sympathy and love go out to Marie, Ashley, David, and Spencer.
Jeff Bullock
April 4, 2005
I am very saddened to hear of Dr. Langdon's passing. I spent three years training in Gastroenterology under his instruction at UT Southwestern. The one fact that I remember about his teaching is that I wish I had taken more time to absorb all that he could teach. I know that he would think it is the greatest compliment that a physician can receive to read all of these nice things his patiets write about him, it is truly the mark of a great man and Doctor. I will always remember his passion and caring, and hope that I will make him proud in our chosen field.
Dixie Crawford
April 3, 2005
Dr. Langdon asked me, "Don't you know any easy patients?" This was after he had treated my husband, mother and sister.I didn't tell him I was friends with another "hard" patient of his. He waa one of the best and most caring doctors I ever knew. We are sorry to lose him.
Don Doran
April 3, 2005
I have known Dave Langdon about as long as anyone. We went to Finch Grade School together in Spokane, WA, then on to Havermale Jr. High, North Central High School, and Washington State College (now University). We didn't pal around together but I knew from the beginning that he was the smartest kid in school. His interests were more intellectual (today he'd be called a nerd), mine more physical. In high school, however, he was a tennis player while I was a baseball player. We actually got better acquainted when we went to WSC. We were in ROTC together for the first two years, and both of us were amused by the loose way that grading was handled--the scores improving from Mon. to Friday as the same test was given every day. They also administered a so-called IQ test, and I remember Dave insisting that I go with him to see what our scores were. I don't remember them, but I do remember Dave's being the highest.
Dave went on to Advanced ROTC in order to achieve officer status and a chance to get a medical degree in the military (his family was not well-to-do). I watched him with fascination as he prepared himself for med school, under the tutelage of Prof. Eastlick (now deceased) whom he really admired (I'm sure it was mutual). Then we went our separate ways and didn't get together again until 1960 in San Francisco. He had recently returned from the USSR where he had been the medical attache and somehow found out we were living on the Peninsula. We were delighted to attend a coming home party he held in San Francisco, and to hear the first of his many stories. Our lives intersected several times more before he moved to Texas and a few times afterward, in part through school reunions. I had a medical problem while I was living in Richland, WA, that I thought was not being treated properly. I learned he was at the Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, so I called him about it. He said he could fix me up in a few minutes. I went to Spokane on a Saturday, met him at his office that he opened for me, and he was as good as his word. Of course he wouldn't let me pay.
Dave was a brilliant and unique individual that I consider myself lucky to have known, one of the few friends that I've been inclined to tell others about. I'm truly sorry that I have never met his family.
Mel and Bonnie May
April 3, 2005
Marie and Ashley, our love and condolences on the loss of a great neighbor and close friend. The wonderful times we've spent together at Mack's, the Petroleum Club, in your home, and other places over the years will remain bright and cherished memories. We've never met a more caring person with a great zest for life, wonderfully unique sense of humor, and just plain fun to be with. Our whole family appreciates that he was in our lives...we're far richer because of it!
Susan Peach
April 3, 2005
Dr. Langdon was my father's doctor for many years. He was a lovely man with a wonderful bedside manner. I was so sorry to read of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
D'Ann Shidler, RN
April 3, 2005
Dear Mrs. Langdon--
I have such fond memories of working with Dr. Langdon in Day Surgery at AMH. He was always pleasant and a great caregiver. He came out of retirement many times to take care of former patients who requested his expertise. And sometimes if one of his patients didn't have a ride home, he'd offer to take them home in that red corvette!
Judy & Jim Vernor & Family
April 2, 2005
Marie & Ashley, We were terribly saddened to learn of David's death. As you know he treate all members of our family in a professional way. But the greatest thing about David was that he was a friend and took a special interest in all of our family day or night as needed. For that we are ever grateful. His straight forward manner was very much appreciated. There was no beating around the bush with David.
All the family sends their love.
The Vernors.
Robert Windsor
April 2, 2005
It was a special privilege to meet David and his lovely wife, Marie on a trip to Holland, Belgium and Germany several years ago. What a wonderful person - full of humour and and captivating stories. David and I had great fun emailing each other and enjoying happy conversations. I valued his friendship and will miss his communications. Wendy and I send our deepest sympathies to Marie and the family. Our love,
Bob and Wendy
Gene Goodwin
April 2, 2005
I had but a glimpse of this great man, but it was enough to know that he was special. My heart goes out to his wife and daughter.
Lois Scott
April 2, 2005
Dear Family:
I was a patient of Dr. Langdon's for many years. He was a wonderful caring doctor and my family and I appreciated his committment to his patients. He saved my life in 1984 and I am truly grateful to him and deeply sadened to read of his death this morning.
Dr. & Mrs. Alfred DiStefano
April 2, 2005
I have known David as a friend, colleague and patient for 20 years. He never missed a chance to lighten my life with a story or anecdote, and never missed an opportunity to teach a medical pearl or life jewel. He is missed already.
Robert Cluck
April 2, 2005
Mrs. Langdon,
David was so very special and good in everything he did. One of the last times I saw him was when you 2 drove by and David insisted on stopping. With extreme difficulty he exited the car and to me while I was riding my mower. He just wanted to say how proud he was of what I had done as Mayor. It was only one of a long list of special memories I will always cherish of David. Thanks for sharing him. bob
Peggy Trevino
April 2, 2005
I was greatly saddened to hear of Dr. Langdon's death. He was a physician of both my father and mother, and was the epitome of a devoted and trusted doctor. Over the years, it was common to run into Dr. Langdon at all hours of the day or night, on his calls at the hospital. He would always stop to say hello, but not for long because his patients always came first. His quick wit, amazing intelligence, and professionalism made him a most interesting man. His directness was always taken as a gesture of love and concern for his patient's health. He was an inspiration for every one to take care of their own health. Truly, he has made an impression on countless lives. I am sure he probably had no idea of how far his impact has been felt, for he was also a man of humility. Rest in peace Dr. Langdon, and thank you.
C.E. & Alice Slaggle
April 2, 2005
Dear Family, We appreciate Dr. Langdon and his timely commitment to treating Clearance Slaggle during his ordeal with cancer and after treatment for many years. His friendship for over 20 years will be remembered by our family forever. He was always available to help us in a time of need. Our sinsere condolences, C.E. & Alice Slaggle
Peter and Heide Endrei
April 2, 2005
Dear Marie and Ashley,
Heidi and I were deeply shocked by the news of David's death.We hoped that modern medicine would save his life.He was a true friend and we cherish the wonderful times we could spend with him.
Peter and Heidi Endrei
Stuart and Martha Moore
April 2, 2005
Mrs. Langdon ... We were so very saddened to read of Dr. Langdon's passing. He was indeed a wonderful man, bringing humor, compassion and strength to everyone he met.Our prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Stu and Martha Moore
Rick & Sharon Powell
April 2, 2005
Dr. Langdon was the kind of man that you always remembered. He was larger than life. Our family will always be indebted to him. We loved the person he was...all three generations of us.
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