Byron John Langley

Byron John Langley, 91 Warwick, ND area farmer-rancher-businessman passed away at St. Alexius Medical Center, Carrington, ND on Saturday, January 13, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Services for Byron will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Warwick High School Gym, Warwick, ND. Pastor Jeff Kapelle will officiate and Byron will be laid to rest in the Warwick Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held on Friday starting at 5:00 pm with a prayer service and time of sharing at 7:00 pm at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Visitation on Saturday will be at the school gym one hour prior to the funeral service.

Byron’s seven grandsons, Austin Langley, Tanner Langley, Mike Held, Jacob Held, Michael Nordick, Richard Nordick and James Nordick and great nephew Todd Cudworth will serve as the Casket Bearers. Honorary Bearers will be Byron’s eight granddaughters, Julee Warren, Kate Langley, Megan Laudenschlager, Taylor Langley, Bobbie Jo Miller, Billie Jo Miller, Lacey Dodge and Savanna Luger.

Byron was born on November 11, 1926 the son of James and Olga (Lang) Langley. He attended Warwick Public School graduating in 1944. While going to high school, he helped his parents with the farming and ranching while his two brothers were serving in the U.S. Army.

Byron married Deloris Forde on November 11, 1947 and they raised five children. They celebrated their 65^th Wedding Anniversary on November 11, 2012. They farmed and ranched with their three sons near Warwick. Byron loved raising cattle. He purchased his first calf and four years later purchased his first heifer. His first cow was named Butter Ball and from there he started his herd. He also enjoyed attending rodeos, going to bull sales, visiting with people and attending grandchildren’s activities.

Byron’s love for flying was evident while courting Deloris, checking cattle, flying for parts and delivering them directly to the field in his Piper Cub. He owned and operated an elevator in Warwick for 20 years.

Byron was a North Dakota Democratic politician who was a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives. He represented the 12^th district from 1973 to 1980. He also served in the North Dakota Senate from 1985 to 1996, including a brief stint as acting president pro tempore from 1993 to 1994.  He served on the following committees, Chairman Senate Industry, Business & Labor Committee, Member Senate Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee & Waste Management Committee, Member of the Governor’s Fuel Assistance Advisory Commission, and Member of Veterinarian School Committee of Old West Regional Commission and numerous other committees. He retired from politics in 1996.

He was also a member of the Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick Rod & Gun Club, Devils Lake Elks, New Rockford Eagles, ND Stockmen’s Association and served as a trustee of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. He was also a strong supporter of the North Dakota National Guard.

Throughout the years, Byron and Deloris traveled with their good friends, John and Karen Hovey and Walter and Mary Ann Meyer.

He is survived by his five children: James E. (Mary) Langley, Gene (Peggy) Langley, Preston (Marnie) Langley all of Warwick, Darla (Bob) Miller, Menoken, ND, Maxine (Robert) Nordick, Hawley, MN. There are fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren: Hailee, Charlee, Rylee, Zander, Adley, Carson, David and Claire, Piper and Drayton, one brother, Frank (Lois) Langley, Sheyenne, ND and brother-in-law Howard Forde, Florida and many nieces and nephews.

Byron was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris, parents, sisters, Ruth Cudworth, Laura Cudworth, twin sister Beatrice Cudworth, brother James P. Langley; brother-in-law John and Evelyn Forde; several nieces and nephews and his good friend Wally Meyer.