Dennis Langton, 88

Many hearts were broken with the passing of Dennis Langton on April 21, 2006, in Whitefish.

Dennis was born Oct. 23, 1917, in North Dakota. He attended school there and later was involved in farming and logging prior to entering the service in 1942. He served with the 13th Army Air Force in the Pacific and received many special awards with much of his time being spent as a gunner and radar technician.

In 1947 he married the love of his life, Birdie Tenney, and after having three children, they moved to Flathead County. He worked building the Hungry Horse Dam, followed by 23 years at Anaconda Aluminum Company in Columbia Falls where he served as the local president of the Aluminum Workers International Union. The Langton residence was a safe, loving home for nearly 50 foster children, and the favorite meeting place for family and friends.

Dennis loved gardening, camping, convertibles and music, especially singing and playing his guitar, fiddle and harmonica. He was a life member and past commander of the VFW, life member of the DAV, member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, and a longtime friend of Bill W.

Dennis recently published his first book, "The Day of the Bootlegger."

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Birdie; eldest son, Larry; parents; one sister; and two brothers.

Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Mertle Langton, of Columbia Falls; sister and brother-in-law, Violet and Alvin Emerson, of Yakima, Wash.; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Patricia Langton, of Whitefish; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie Langton and Scott Gallaher, of Deer Park, Wash.; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Other survivors include Cecelia Langton of Libby; numerous nieces and nephews; and loads of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. After burial at Glacier Memorial Gardens, friends and family will gather at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish.

Donations may be made to VFW Post 275 in Whitefish.