Lawrence Vincent "Larry" Langan

Lawrence "Larry" Vincent Langan passed away on November 19, 2025 at Cooper Trail at the age of 81. He is survived by his beloved wife and "love of his life" of 55 years, Barbara Langan; his daughter, Kelly L. Bailey-whom he lovingly called "the light of his life"; his devoted son-in-law, Philip Bailey; and his treasured "dolls," granddaughters Violet, June, and Savannah Bailey. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Langan (Johnny Henderson) of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; his devoted cousins Sheila Sweitzer (Steve), Maureen Owens (Bill), and Mike Monahan of Indianapolis, Indiana; and three nieces: Leandra Preston of Cocoa Beach, Florida; Sonia Preston (James Luther) of Orlando, Florida; and Lindsey Tyra of Dallas, Texas. He leaves behind many cherished friends.
Larry was born on an Army base in Columbus, Mississippi, in 1944 to Ruth and Vincent Langan. After World War II, the family returned first to Cairo, Illinois, and later to Paducah, Kentucky. During his high-school years, his parents relocated to Lexington, Kentucky, to give their sons greater opportunities for college. At Lexington Catholic High School, Larry excelled as a center in basketball and as a pitcher and first baseman in baseball, earning "All-City" honors in basketball. He received a full scholarship to Transylvania University for both sports, though basketball remained his deepest passion. He often credited his coaches, C.M. Newton and Lee Rose, as the most influential mentors of his life outside of his father. At Transylvania, he joined Kappa Alpha Fraternity, forming lifelong friendships with fraternity brothers Billy Reed, William Poulson, Glen Bagby, Finbarr Sanders, and Bruce Davis.
After earning his JD from the University of Kentucky, Larry married Barbara Preston on August 8, 1970. When Barbara accepted a teaching position at Bardstown City Schools, the couple made historic Bardstown their home. Larry went on to practice law there for 44 years, embracing small-town life and retiring in 2014. He was widely respected in the local legal community for his honesty, devotion to his clients, and unwavering integrity.
Larry generously shared his time and talents with his community, serving on the Bethlehem High School Board and the Transylvania Alumni Executive Board. He was a voracious reader, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lifelong University of Kentucky basketball fan. The Low Country of South Carolina held a special place in his heart, offering a peaceful retreat and countless joyful gatherings with family and friends. Those who knew him will remember his loyalty, kindness, mischievous humor, gift for storytelling, and remarkable ability to listen with genuine care.
Larry's family is forever grateful for the kindness and compassion of the nursing staff at Cooper Trail, his Hospice team, and the caregivers from Caring Hearts, all of whom made his final days peaceful.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to "The Kindness Project" at Bardstown City Schools in his name, to continue his legacy of treating others as he wanted to be treated.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral. Rev. Jacob Zulu, celebrant. Visitation will be at the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home Sunday from 1:00-4:00 and Monday from 8:30-10:30 am. A graveside service will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Lexington Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Phillip Bailey, Edward Seay, Glen Bagby, Terry Geoghagan, Charles Simms, Davis Downs and honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Davis, Jack Seay, Bill Poulson, Finbarr Sanders and Mike Sloane. The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.