At nearly 93 years of age, Anthony “Tony” Paul Lang left his earthly home and entered into the eternal kingdom of heaven. He was born on October 15, 1927 in Pacific, Missouri and is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Frances Lang, and his eight siblings. On September 20, 2020, after surviving several heart procedures and gradual kidney failure over the years, we said goodbye to our loved family member and friend.

Defined as those who grew up during the Great Depression and served in WWII, Tony was part of the “Greatest Generation” that is quickly slipping into history. Similar to many of his generation, he had the admirable character traits, including personal responsibility, faith and commitment.

Growing up during the Depression was not always easy, but Tony held fond memories of working on his family’s small farm, learning carpentry skills from his father, exploring and playing with his siblings and friends in the woods near his home, and chasing their cows out of the stream so they could swim in it.

He served in the Occupation Forces in Japan for two years in WWII before returning home in 1948. A few years later he met the great love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Ann Lang (nee, Commens) at a local dance. They married in 1955, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary just over a week prior to his passing.

Tony and Pat were blessed with six children, Laura Thomas (Dave); Theresa “Terri” Edwards (Eric, and Robert Pizzella-predeceased), Lisa Sesti (Sam), Deb Saulich (Steve), Daniel “Dan” Lang (Sherri), and Anthony “Tony” Lang (Julie). He was a proud Grandpa to eighteen grandchildren; Kevin Thomas (Hannah), Brian Thomas, Robert Pizzella, Amanda Liable (Ricky), Jenny Pennycook (Mike), John Edwards, Jenna Hoffman (Nathan), Alexis Sesti, Sara Saulich, Niki Saulich, Heather Hall (Steven), Daniel Lang, Jr., Joie Lang, Anthony Lang-predeceased, Austin Lang (Bethany), Anna Lang, Addison Lang, and Morgan Reilly. He was the adored Great-Gramps to six great-grandchildren; Emily Pizzella, Jaden Liable, Alexis Pennycook, Lyla Hoffman, Emilia Hoffman, and Anthony Hall. He was a son, husband, father, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, father-in-law, and mentor.

Among many attributes, Tony is remembered for his quick wit, stolid strength, kind spirit and faith. He possessed a strong work ethic, but preferred recreational and relaxed time at his second family home in Montauk. In his more able days, he had a passion for trout fishing, enjoyed a round of golf, and could build or fix almost anything. In later years, he took advantage of his love for reading a good Western or wartime story or watching a Cardinals game while “holding down his favorite chair”. Consistent throughout his life was his love and dedication to his family and lifelong friends.

He will always be a “Great” to those that have known and loved him. He lives in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. Mass will be 10:30 am on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Immaculate Conception of Dardenne Catholic Church, 7701 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368. Interment will follow at 1:00 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

CDC guidelines must be followed including, face coverings and social distancing, for all funeral events.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in Tony's name to one of the of the following:

American Heart Association
460 Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO, 63141

or the National Kidney Foundation
1001 Craig Road #480
St. Louis, MO, 63146

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