Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Largo High School University of Florida

Herbert LANGFORD Obituary

LANGFORD, Herbert Eustace Jr. of Clearwater, Florida peacefully passed away June 9, 2020 at the age of 73. He was the loving father of Ashley Langford Tunkle and father-in-law of Sam Tunkle; proud grandfather of Cooper and Graham Tunkle; vexing brother of Berta Honey and Sue Everitt; dear uncle to Susan Fioravanti; amorous friend to Anh Huynh. Herb graduated from Largo High School in 1964, University of Florida in 1968 and UF Levin College of Law in 1972. He practiced law in Clearwater for over 30 years transit-ioning into serving as a special master and hearing officer for many additional years. Herb had a magnetic and charismatic personality. His jovial laugh and booming voice commanded a room. Herb never met a person he wouldn't talk to, a hand he wouldn't shake or a cheeseburger he wouldn't eat. Per Herb's wishes, there will be no service, however you are encouraged to share your stories of remembrance at [email protected] as they will be treasured. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world - Dr Seuss

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times from Jun. 21 to Jun. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert LANGFORD

19 Entries

Cpl. Thomas Goldberg - Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

June 15, 2023

Herbert was a great man and friend. Herb was a hearing officer who knew his job well. He was kind, fair and most of all honest and loyal to his profession. I remember every time we met, we chatted about work and family. Herbert loved his family more than anything in the world. He was also so funny. He always told me new jokes each and every time we met. Herbert will be missed, however never forgotten. RIP my friend!!!

Linda Blanar

January 21, 2021

This website may not exist any longer as it is now Jan 2021, but I just came across this. I am the director and long time employee of the mediation program for the Sixth Circuit. In fact I was just looking him up on the bar journal because I was looking for an arbitrator. Herb was always doing mediations and arbitration for the circuit-mostly selected by attorneys. He was an awesome guy and always such a great sense of humor. I'm so sorry to just be hearing of this great loss. My sincere (late) condolences. Linda Blanar, ADR Director, Sixth Jud. Circuit.

Charles and Deborah Iams

August 15, 2020

Herb was our friend for over 30 plus years. Someone who fit into our family like he belonged there. His towering stature and wonderful voice will be missed forever. Earlier in our friendship, he would pull in the drive in his Bronco, climb out and he would be there till the wee hours visiting. The stories he told made you laugh and want to hear more.
Ashley was our daughters age and she was the world to Herb. The first time I met her was when she came home for her Grandma's funeral. I picked her up at the airport, and felt like I had known her our whole life. She was in college at the time. We were lucky to meet his Mom and help when she moved in Clearwater.
But the most wonderful time was Ashley's
Wedding.
And then the addition to his beloved Grandsons. So proud and he was just blown away. When me left Florida we were in touch all the time. I would bug him about retiring and spend more time with the boys.
Every winter we would become snowbirds and Herb called first. Out for seafood, then to Carmelita's.
He never wanted to change. I will miss that so much.
Everyone knew Herb. No matter where we were, I think he knew everyone at the restaurants we would go to.
I look in my desk at the funny birthday cards I would find to send him.
Now they have no purpose.

But we have all the wonderful memories and they are worth millions.
Tears come every day just thinking we can't talk to him and see him.
We will never know anyone as kind as Herb was. He will be missed so much.

Thomas Goldberg

June 29, 2020

I have known Herb for many years. He was a Great man who was always very caring. I enjoyed working with him and talking to him. He will definitely be missed, however never forgotten. To his family, you have my most sincerest heartfelt condolences and may God Bless you all!

David Greenberg

June 27, 2020

I received a note from Deedie Matthews this week about Herb's passing. While I knew nothing of Herb's life as an adult, we were classmates in Largo at the same time. I don't recall being a close friend, but, as intimated by the remembrances, he had warmth and a solidness that was so apparent, his leadership skills seemed undeniable. It makes me a little sad that I never cultivated an adult friendship with Herb. I can imagine all who loved him will miss him very much. Thanks for keeping me informed and best regards to those friends, now many years ago.

Audrey Schechter

June 23, 2020

My heart is breaking with the news of Herb's passing. I met Herb in about my second year of practice (about 27 years ago!). We worked closely on several matters. He was always gracious and supportive. He also always insisted that, though I was only a woman (he would chuckle right now), I was just as competent or more so than my male counterparts. He would brag about me to my parents. Can you imagine a colleague doing that? He met my first daughter when she was about 18 months old. We met for lunch at a restaurant. The fact that she was a bit out of control did not phase him. He has been involved in our girls' lives from the beginning. Always relishing their achievements and milestones. And he would share with me all of Ashley's achievements. And Cooper and Grant. He had such pride and love for them all, including Sam. Though I have never met them, through Herb and my conversations, I feel like I know them well. I worked alongside Herb throughout my career - serving as an alternate special magistrate, second to him. I loved watching him "work a room." He had a genuine interest in what was going on in other peoples' lives. He also wanted to ensure that everyone who appeared before him felt heard. He in turn would share his folksy stories with them. Sometimes they were stern remarks that his parents had used on him, and sometimes they were meant to lighten the seriousness of what was happening. Either way, Herb always made the best of impressions. I will miss our discussions and our lunches. I will deeply miss Herb.

Audrey Schechter

Planted Trees

Joy Patterson

June 23, 2020

Herb led the Class of 1964 with admirable aplomb, which I miss even more as I watch our political leaders today. I wish they had Herb's intelligence, patience, graciousness, and warmth.
Joy (Bacon) Patterson

Beverly Roberts

June 23, 2020

I remember Herb from LHS. I, too, attended and graduated in 1964.
Herb and I were two of the lucky ones who headed to "gator-ville" to graduate in 1968. Later, I followed Herb's lead to graduate from UF College of Law (1975).

Though Herb and I were not close friends, I always admired his willingness to put himself forward, to seek leadership roles and to make his fellow LHS graduates proud. Go Packers! Go Gators!

Memories of Herb continue to serve and lead his family and friends!

Sandra Poirier

June 22, 2020

The last time I saw Herb was at our graduation in 1964 from Largo High School. During our high school days, he was always very professional and admired by all of the students and teachers. My God bless his family during this difficult time.

Karen France

June 22, 2020

My heart hurts at this news. Herb was everything and more as stated in his obituary. He was one of the first members I met when I started working at Clearwater Bar Association where is was very active. My condolences to the family and I hope you all can find peace and know that Herb was loved and appreciated by many.

Michael Berry, Sr

June 22, 2020

I am more than just a little saddened by the news. Herb was a good friend and a fine, ethical lawyer. We were Traffic Court Magistrates and Property Tax HEaring Officers together. We not only lost a fine lawyer but a caring person. ON the family side he was the telephone Santa Claus for my son's early years. One year, as my son grew older we called Santa Claus. When he hung up, he looked at me suspiciously and said: "Dad, are you sure that wasn't that bald man who is a friend of yours?" I knew then my son was moving to a new level, his innocence period was leaving us." Herb and I laughed about those conversations often, and sustpected it was his laugh that gave him away. I lost a good friend and wish his lovely daughter, a successful doctor, well with her family. He was very proud of her.

William A Ross

June 22, 2020

Herb was a Theta Chi fraternity brother at UF. Sorry to hear he has passed so young. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Heidi Hartsock

June 21, 2020

I have had the privilege of working with and getting to know Herb for many years now. Herb was an amazing Attorney and Magistrate. We worked well together, we laughed and enjoyed talking about our kids and of course our grandkids. Herb was one of the first people I told about becoming a grandma, and like the love he has for his grandkids and told me they are the best things in life. Herb face always lit up when we spoke of his daughter and her boys. We always had a inside joke that he had to keep working so he could provide the boys with beer ( root beer ) money. I last saw herb in March and like always he had a smile on his face and story to tell. As Im sure many people are shocked to here of Herbs passing, I still cant believe he is gone. I will truly miss this amazing, happy, funny, brilliant man that I learned so much from. I will miss you Herb and I will always remember ( ! . Dot my i and cross my t ) Hope you are swapping stories up there with my step dad!
My sincere condolences to his daughter, son in law and those two perfect grandsons. RIP Herb

Robert Lee Morgan

June 21, 2020

He went to my Retirement ceremony when I retired from the US Navy, he was so respect and went out of his way to shack every service members hand that attended. He was so graciousness and kind making it very memorable for me.

Linda Morgan

June 21, 2020

Herb was a kind soul . He flew out to WA with Jean numerous times for our kids graduations and my husbands retirement from the Navy in 2003, 2005, 2007.. My kids loved him and we all will miss him Robert & Linda Morgan

Sharron Parker

Planted Trees

June 21, 2020

A great friend dating back to Largo Junior High and through to UF. God rest your soul.
Ronny Chamberlin

Lee Beistle

June 21, 2020

I knew Herb from Mildred Helms Elementary School through graduation from Largo High School. The last time I saw him was at the LHS Class of 1964 twentieth reunion. Wish he could have made it to our fifty-fifth last October. Always interesting and enjoyable to be around. My sincere condolences to his family.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results