LeRoy "Roy" Langford, 91, passed away on Friday, March 3rd, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family.

 

He was born on January 6th, 1932 in Rose Hill, AL, to Eula Mae (Moore) and Hugh Langford.

 

Roy was a 1950 graduate of Straughn High School and a 1956 graduate of Auburn University.  Between high school and college, Roy served in the Alabama National Guard, where he received an honorable discharge in 1953.

 

After graduating from Auburn, Roy worked as a project engineer with Allis-Chalmers in Gadsden, AL.  He was then transferred to their plant in La Porte, IN.  While working at Allis-Chalmers in La Porte, Roy met a summer intern, Jane Applegarth.

 

Together, they enjoyed a courtship and 61 year marriage.  Roy spent much of his career at Allis-Chalmers until the plant closed in 1985.  He then continued as an engineer at Wheel Horse/Toro in South Bend, IN.  He eventually retired as a lead engineer from Toro in Bloomington, MN.

 

For many years, Roy was active in Jaycees and in his church, First United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees and boards, as well as serving as a weekly counter, newspaper stuffer, and usher.

 

Roy is survived by his wife, Jane, who was his parenting, gardening, and life companion.  Together, they built a life and wonderful home for three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Trudy Hammett, Kirk, Hugh B, Rabon, Exa Jordan, Janie Clark, and Reba Merrill.

 

Roy is survived by his wife, Jane; sons, John (Katrina) and Eric (Jody); daughter, Melissa (Doug) Beck; grandchildren, MaryBeth (Kole), Jack, Sarah, Sam, Tom, Caroline, Anna, and Luke; great-granddaughter, Kit; and sisters, Sara Bell, Lucy Davis, and Frances Barnett.

 

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is being planned for later in the spring.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family, and Roy, would kindly request that donations by gifted to the Rumely Allis-Chalmers La Porte Heritage Center, 2581 IN 2, La Porte, IN 46350.