Capt. John Den ‘Gerbil’ Jr. Langford

Capt. John Den “Gerbil” Langford Jr., USN (retired), 66, of California, Md., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at home in the arms of his loving family.

He was born on Sept. 19, 1949, in Pensacola, Fla. His parents were the late John Den “Jack” Langford and Lorraine “Lammers” Langford.

John graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and commissioned into the Navy in November of 1973 at NAS Pensacola.

He proudly earned his Naval “Wings of Gold” and began flying the EA-6B “Prowler” out of NAS Whidbey Island. His naval cruises took him from the Mediterranean to the coast of Japan but always brought him back to Whidbey Island where he met and married Terri (Long) his “Pretty Smurfette” in June 1984.

John was very personable with a terrific sense of humor, which served him well as he moved his bride from the beautiful islands of the Pacific Northwest to the desert of Fallon, Nev. While standing up “STRIKE U” at NAS Fallon and still trying to persuade his wife that the Navy would send them to beaches around the world, they had their first son, John Den “J.D.” Langford III in January 1986. Shortly thereafter, they were blessed with their second son, Daniel Paul Langford, in December 1987, while stationed at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif.

John’s service culminated with two tours of duty at the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, Calif. where he retired as the commanding officer in 2000 after 27 years of meritorious and honorable service.

Gerbil flew over 2,000 hours in the EA-6B and hundreds of hours in various other airframes to include the FA-18B. Relocating one more time to California, Md., John began his second career at Northrop Grumman and retired again in 2012.

Throughout John’s life he was a devoted father and husband.

He was “Mr. Fix It” around the house, automobiles, in the yard, or anywhere he happened to be. He enjoyed his routine at the gym and an occasional race.

Always up for a new experience or challenge, he learned to snowboard at 50 and to rappel and rock climb at age 64.

Though in perpetual motion, John always had time for a romantic getaway with his bride and especially enjoyed cruising.

In addition to his beloved wife Terri, John is survived by his sons, John Den Langford III of California, Md., and Daniel Paul Langford of New Bern, N.C.; brother-in-law, Jay (Suzie) Long of Oak Harbor; a niece, Amy Kantaras of Kearney, Neb.; and many extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Tracy Kantaras.

The family welcomed friends on Monday, Oct. 5. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated by Monsignor Mike Wilson and Father Chris Christensen on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, Md. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, or a veterans organization of your choice.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brins

fieldfuneral.com