He was well qualified, having watched from shore as his ship, the USS Arizona, sank during the Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
The 100-year-old Langdell — the Yuba-Sutter, Calif., area's last Pearl Harbor survivor and a fixture in Marysville's annual Veterans Day parade — died Wednesday, family members confirmed.
He had an outgoing personality as well as an affinity recounting the historic attack and had been living in Yuba City, Calif.
"He talked to anybody about it," said John Langdell of Spearfish, S.D., one of his two sons. "He relished being the center of attention. That was part of his makeup."
Son Ted Langdell, who lives in Marysville, said his dad kept high spirits at The Fountains care facility.
"I guess you might say he was creating an endearing character over there," he said, adding a bit of mischief was likely involved.
Joe Langdell's death came almost four months after his 100th birthday. Ted Langdell was there holding his hand when he passed away.
Riding in a wheelchair, Joe Langdell took part in November's annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Marysville. His presence in the parade became a focal point for the yearly event.
John Langdell said his father's remains will be interred at the site of the USS Arizona, the ship on which he served, next Dec. 7. A local public memorial service will likely be held in April, he said.
CLICK FOR MORE
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment