Oct. 15, 1921 — Jan. 21, 2008

Richard C. Langton passed away Monday at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.

Born in Tacoma, Wash., on Oct. 15, 1921, Dick was the first member of his family to attend college when he enrolled at Pacific Lutheran College in 1939. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served for three years on active duty in the South Pacific and China. He later served for 22 years in the Naval Reserve, retiring as Lieutenant Commander.

After returning from the war, Dick married June M. Belew of Everett, Wash. They remained married for 62 years.

In 1951, Dick earned his doctorate in education from the University of Washington. He was appointed as the youngest school superintendent in Washington state in 1955. During his 33-year career in school administration, he served in Tukwila, Wash.; Cheney, Wash.; North Phoenix, Ariz.; Medford; and Spokane, Wash. He also served as Dean of Men at Pacific Lutheran College.

Upon retirement in 1986, Dick and June returned to Cheney, Wash., where they enjoyed many enduring friendships. Dick taught part-time at Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University. Dick and June moved to Corvallis this year to be closer to their family.

Dick is survived by his wife, June, and their three sons and their wives: Chris and Eileen of Corvallis; Nick and Kerry, who live in Kathmandu, Nepal; and Randy and Dottie of Portland. Nothing brought Dick greater joy than his six grandchildren and the many children of his nieces and nephews.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the chapel of Grace Lutheran Church, 435 N.W. 21st St.