Howard Langston

Howard H. Langston, 78, formerly of Bettendorf, died Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Country Manor in Davenport.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Howard Hughes Langston was born October 14th, 1938 in Rock Island, Il. to Thomas James Langston and Mary Jane (Purvis) Langston.

After graduation from Davenport High School in 1957, Howard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, following the footsteps of his brothers – all of whom were proud service members of one branch or another. He returned home, honorably discharged as Corporal E3 Howard H. Langston, USMC.

Mr. Langston married Charlotte R. Ebberson in Davenport on August 6, 1960. They were married for 50 years. He was employed by the Rock Island Railroad, Oscar Mayer and finally Alcoa, where he retired after 39 years of employment.

Life was an adventure for the Langston family. Howard, Charlotte and their three children camped nearly every weekend. When the kids were small, Charlotte warmed bottles on the fire. Howard helped teach the kids life skills along the way; they learned to swim in the Mississippi River. He learned to swim across the river. Howard made sure they saw the country while camping – from Itasca, MN to Florida Keys and San Diego, CA to Washington, D.C. As they grew older, the camping trips gave way to hotels and cruise ships. They included all family members; wives, husbands and children too. Places like Alaska, Hawaii and Ireland, as well as Christmas Day at Disney World. Trips that dreams are made of.

Howard and Charlotte were involved parents. They arranged their work schedules to be sure not to miss events. For Howard, that meant many years of 3rd shift. That love and dedication for their kids carried over to their grandchildren. Everything from sports, choir, band, dance, cheerleading, holiday programs and flags too. They were always there.

Howard was an avid race walker. He had entered several marathons during his career. On mile 13 in one of his races he turned his ankle. He finished the race anyway. Turned out, he broke that ankle. That’s the Marine we know. A favorite race walking achievement was the Q.C. Marathon. He entered the ½ marathon race at age 74 with Alzheimer’s. He said it would be as close as he would ever get to the Marine Corp Marathon. The crowd cheered for the “Old Guy” in the USMC ball cap. He finished in 4 hours, 11 minutes and 26 seconds – and didn’t get lost! OOH RAH!

Howard had a passion for all kinds of music. His kids cleaned house to John Philip Sousa marching music. They could be found doing homework to Neil Diamond - Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Howard was a drummer. He had long since given up his drum, but not the sticks. The top of his roll-top desk has the scars to show for it. He could put the hurt on a pair of spoons and show you a mean ham-bone as well.

Among his other talents, he loved to draw. Give him a pencil and a surface to draw on and Oh Boy! Most of his art was comprised of family gatherings, like a Sunday afternoon; football, food and maybe a nap. Nothing was sacred, “zzz…” coming from your head, a little weight added to your mid section and even the cell phone. It was off limits on Sundays. Busted.

He was also an avid reader and loved puzzles as well as cryptograms. Howards lifestyle helped him to live longer and better with Alzheimer’s. Family support, exercise, reading, puzzles, music and diet. He liked to tell you he ate healthy - and for the most part, that was true. But, Goodness! Whose hand was in the cookie jar, candy bowl and especially ice cream bucket at 3 am? “Not me, the cat was hungry!”

Howard passed away peacefully, and for that we are thankful.

Howard is survived by: Daughter: Shari (Chris) Terry; Sons: Mike (Laura) Langston, Daniel (Kelly) Langston; Grandchildren: Brooke (Matt), Brad (Theresa), Michael (Makayla), Danielle (Art), Jamie (Steve), Melissa (Fred), Jessie (Ryan), Angie, Kelsey (Brandon), MacKinzie;     Great Grandchildren: Paige, Leah, Charlotte, Lynae, John, Joseph, Mason, Maddox, Joey, Alexis, Ava, Airianna, Ryleigh, Connor, Makenzie; Sister-in-law’s: Pamela Langston, Rose Langston, Gloria Langston, Marry Ebberson and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers Eugene, Caleb, Richard, Robert and David, and sisters Jamsiena, Alice, Marilyn, Beverly and Jenny.

Our family would like to extend special thanks to: Stephen Sorensen MD., Brandon Rickerston DO., Jersey Ridge Place, Genesis Hospice and Country Manor – with special thanks to Kim, Judy, Nicole, Christina and Brittany. Your care and kindness has been immeasurable during our father’s journey with Alzheimer’s.