John Patrick “Big John” Langford, 61, passed peacefully on November 11th, 2021, in his home. John was born March 10th 1960 to Lawrence “Larry” and Stella Langford in St. Louis, Mo where he spent most of his life.
John is survived by his son Zachary Langford, two daughters Emily (Joseph) Poplawski and Shelby Langford, and 4 grandchildren Sophie, Thea, John Sawyer, and Maximus. John is survived by his siblings Linda (Robert) Jackson, Anthony (Gina) Langford, Kevin (Carol) Langford, Jim (Peggy) Langford, Karen (Roy) Thompson, Jean (Chuck) Whelehon, Mary (Tom) Peters, and Judy (Jim) Briscoe. John was a loving uncle and has many nieces and nephews that will greatly miss him.
John was a proud member of the UAW for 37 years and an Army veteran. John was proud of being a veteran and served his country with integrity and a heart of Gold. John was loved by his community. He was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back. Even when he had nothing, he wanted to help those around him. John was special in the sense that he never judged and accepted people for who they were. There was always a spot for you at John’s table. John loved his family wholeheartedly. He loved deeply and was always there to make the family smile in tough times. John had a very special sense of humor and even in the darkest times could get you to laugh. Above everything John was incredibly proud of his children and his grandchildren.
John will be greatly missed by his family and the community. John was a dear friend to many. He left a huge impact on so many lives and will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in John’s honor.
Services: Memorial service at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, on Tuesday, November 23 at 10:30 am. Inurnment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial visitation Monday 4-8 pm.
I will miss Big John. He was a man of strong beliefs and stood his ground when tested. RIP my friend
Sorry for your heartaches, he was a very good guy.
Big John was brutally honest, but he genuinely cared for everyone. John could bring humor and light to any situation. He would also fight and make tough decisions even when they’ were unfavorable. He was a true leader and a true union brother. I will miss him. I offer my deepest condolences to Shelby and the rest of the family.
With love,
Rita Griffin
My deepest condolences
He will be missed.
John was a good man and an inspiration to all who new and worked with and will be missed.
John was always so nice to me the couple times we spoke. I could see the love he had for Shelby and the love she had for him. It was a great daughter father relationship that some do not get to experience. I am so sorry to you Shelby and your family for your loss. *Hugs*
My hugs, love, sympathy and prayers for John’s family and close friends! He was certainly PROUD of his children and grandchildren, his Union, his faith, his service to our country and all Military service members! May God Bless his family! #2250 RIP
I personally witnessed, and was a recipient of John’s kindness on many occasions. He helped so many, but never wanted any recognition. John was my good friend, I will be missed tremendously.
“He”
We lost a great man. Our Union Brother, Trustee on our Eboard and friend to so many. Brother Big John Langford, I will always remember you Brother. Your heart was bigger than your chest and I’m so grateful to had known you. When a Union Brother’s daughter beat cancer for the second time, you offered to step up and pay $1,000.00 for the Fireworks. I will never forget the moment I was Live on fb asking for donations to end Lani’s special day with Fireworks and you offered to pay the entire bill. You had me so emotional I had to set my phone down. I will never forget that. It was one of those special moments I’m forever Blessed to had been a part of and YOU and your ginormous heart made that happen. It has been an honor to stand next to you on our Eboard. Your passion for the Union has always been a vocal one. You always spoke your mind and stood up for what you believe in. Much respect Brother. We will be continuing to pray for your family and be there for them in any way we can. For me, 11-11 (Veterans Day) will always be remembered as my Grandpa’s Birthday, the day we Salute and give thanks to ALL of our Veterans such as yourself and the day that The Lord Jesus Christ called you Home to be with HIM.. Thank you Brother, for your dedication and service to our Great Country. Mondays Eboard Meeting was difficult for us all knowing that you will not be there physically for the rest of our term but I find peace knowing that you will always be with us all in spirit. God Bless You and keep you. Happy Trails My Brother. Till We Meet Again. -sjk
I worked with John at GM. We spent several years working cab set together. It was always a pleasure. John was a kindhearted fellow. We had a lot of laughs working in the pit. He always talked about his family growing up and his children. He always looked forward driving to Tennessee to see his daughters. He told me he would take you both to get manicures and pedicures! He loved you both very much. He was also very proud of his son, the marine. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Sending love to the entire Langford family during this very hard time. May the joyful memories of John carry you through.
Susan
While I didn’t know John well, I never heard negative comments about him. Always good things. I knew he loved his family for sure. Knowing his daughter Shelby, showed me that about him. He will be greatly missed by many. My family sends their condolences.
I’ve known John for over 36 years! We started at the Wentzville plant together and then went to the new Saturn plant together! We transferred back to Wentzville in 2005!! He was a very good union brother and we fought many good fights together!! He will be truly missed!! Rest in peace my union brother!! I will truly miss you and your sense of humor!!
Shelby Im so sorry he’s gone. He loved you so much. His knowledge and advice was excellent but anyone that knew or met him will remember his Big heart and how if you needed something he was right there to help.
Big John’s commitment to the UAW was beyond compare. He will be missed.
A great Union brother..he will be missed!
A great loss to his family and loss to
Local 2250, as we lost a great trustee
That served our local well! Thank you
Big John rest well my friend!
Our condolences to the entire family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Big John leaves behind a huge hole to fill. Few cared so much and worked so hard. May the peace of God rest on all who feel your parting. Thank you for being so UAW.
My sincerest condolences to Shelby and the rest of Johns family. He was a beautiful man with a heart of gold. Always helping with every committee he could. Rest In Peace. ❤️
My sincere condolences to the family! I met and had the pleasure of working with John while on the Election Committee he was our chairman! Great man who always stayed to true to his confictions no matter what and ready to fight the fight! He will be missed.
My sincere prayers and condolences extend out to my UAW sister, Shelby, and the entire family. John was a great, generous, and active UAW brother. He did everything with passion and humor and was a friend to many. He was not only à fellow UAW brother, but a fellow Army veteran with me. He is already sorely missed.
My condolences to the Langford family, John was a good friend mine, who I will miss dearly.