Dean L. Langley

Dean Langley, 76, died April 5, 2016 surrounded by the members of his family by choice.
Dean was very proud of his truck driving profession. He very much enjoyed the many different semis he drove, but his favorite was the blue, twin stick, single stack, 1961 Mack b61 truck. Dean also spent many years working construction for a few companies. Through his trucking job of hauling cars is how he first met his lifelong friends Dennis and Marie Basart. This friendship turned into family. A dirt track racing, greyhound racing, hard working family.
The joys in Dean’s life were the grandkids that he called his own. Dean enjoyed watching Rylan, Jalen, Ragen and Reece in their many sporting events and working with Aubrey in their garden. Many hours were spent tending then selling the fruits of their labor of love together. Meal time visits with Riley was a highlight of Dean’s day, and a 4-wheeler ride after just made it perfect. It was always in good fun to get to tease Ashley and get her to smile, and Dean was a pro at it.
Having raised goats himself, Dean was pleased to get to watch Addie, Reece, Rylan and Jalen show goats at the Stockton Fair. He went so far as to bring his own hay to Stockton for the kids to feed their goats to make sure they made weight. Dean also greatly enjoyed traveling to cattle shows to watch his niece’s and nephew’s show. It meant so much to him to be able to be there to support them.

Dean took great pleasure in going to the races to watch Justin pursue his passion. He was ever supportive and was always ready to lend his knowledge of mechanics. Kristi and Dean had a special relationship that afforded them the opportunity to let off steam with each other but always end up laughing. Anyone could tell that he greatly enjoyed these moments.
Later in life, being able help Shawn Newell and Sam Becker farm and drive a semi made him feel young again. Dean also loved traveling to Colorado in the summers to bring back peaches to sell to friends and family. He always had a waiting list, but everyone knew they could count on Dean to deliver.
The last couple of summers Dean and Marie traveled to a few different campsites to relax and enjoy the kids fishing. He got such a kick out of Ragen bowfishing and Justin cooking the daily catch. You would always find Dean’s little companion Milo, his child/Boston Terrier, in the middle of all the activity.
Dean will be greatly missed by the host of morning coffee drinkers at Coop and Texaco, friends, his special family, and of course, Milo.

A celebration of life service for Dean L. Langley will be (was) April 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Todd Bradrick officiating. Interment will be (was) in Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas.