James Robert Langford
James Robert Langford, 83, passed away on July 24, 2023, at his home in Dallas, Texas. Robert was born on March 27, 1940, in Pampa, Texas, to Minor and Sadie Langford. The Langfords were a large, close family, with Robert being the youngest of four sons and one daughter. They maintained a very close relationship throughout their lives, leaving a legacy for generations of annual family reunions and a deep love for one another.
Robert and his family lived in Pampa, all graduating from Pampa High School. Robert’s passion was sports throughout his school years. He was a very determined and dedicated athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and football throughout his high school years. Robert was offered a football scholarship from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he was a three-year starter as a middle linebacker (despite being 5’8” and 155 pounds!). While playing for NMSU, he was a member of the 1959 and 1960 Sun Bowl champion teams. Robert was involved in an oil field accident that nearly claimed his life the summer before his senior year of college. With great doctors, a lot of prayers, and nothing short of hard work – and maybe a miracle – Robert was able to recover from his injuries and return to school and the football field for his senior year.
Robert met Margaret at NMSU and knew right away she was the one! On June 2, 1963, Robert and Margaret married in Truth or Consequences and started their life together in Pampa, Texas, where their three children, Chris, Monty, and Molly, were born. The family moved to McLean, Texas, and shortly thereafter to Perryton, Texas, in 1972. Robert coached football, basketball, and track and also enjoyed teaching history. In 1978, Robert became head coach and athletic director in Perryton and enjoyed a long run as coach of the Perryton Rangers. Much of his purpose and dedication in life were the students he taught and the players he coached. And he always had a great love and admiration for his coaching family. In 1986, the family moved from Perryton to Odessa, Texas, where Robert continued to coach and teach school. After 32 years, Robert and Margaret both retired in 1997 and moved to Granbury, Texas. Robert so enjoyed their years in Granbury with wonderful friends at Acton Baptist Church, playing golf several times a week, fishing, seeing old and new friends, and spending time with his family and six grandkids.
Our dad was the most devoted husband to our mother and father to his three children. He was a busy man throughout his career, but most important to him was leading his family toward Christ, ensuring we belonged to a church family, praying, and reading God’s word together daily.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Langford; son, Monty Langford; father, Minor Langford; mother, Sadie Langford; and brothers, Scott Langford, Ed Langford, and John Langford. He is survived by his sister, Wanda Shough; sister-in-law, Betty Langford; son, Chris Langford and wife Lezlie; daughter, Molly Key and husband Jason; daughter-in-law, Adi Langford; grandchildren, Kevin Langford and wife Leah, Cade Langford, Pike Langford, Luke Langford, Lily Langford, and Stella Key; great-grandson, Troy Langford; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home in Breckenridge, Texas. A private family burial will be held at the Necessity Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Robert’s name can be made to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice and can be left at the funeral home office. Condolences can be left online at meltonkitchens.com.
