Lester Dan Langley

Lester “Dan” Langley died January 22, 2025, in San Angelo, Texas. He was born on August 7, 1940, to Lester and Lona Langley in Red River County, Texas. He graduated from Borger High School where he was editor of the school newspaper and played in championship gold tournaments.

Lester earned two degrees from West Texas A&M. At the age of 24, he obtained his PhD from the University of Kansas. He taught history at Texas A&M, Central Washington University and the University of Georgia. Lester published 19 books and edited and co-edited numerous volumes on American and Latin American history. When Lester visited his father in the nursing home, his dad introduced him to his friends. “This is my son,” he said, “He writes books.”

Lester considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment, including most of all his wife of 62 years, Wanda Dickson Langley. He was proud of his two sons, Charles of San Angelo, Jonathan and his wife Lynn of Hebron, Kentucky, and his two beloved grandsons, Sean and Leo. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is greatly appreciative of the care given by Baycrest Memory Care and Concho Hearts Hospice. Special thanks are given to Marcie Gomez, caregiver and friend.

As per Lester’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any donations be made to student scholarships at West Texas A&M and the University of Georgia.