Sammy Lange 1940-2023

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Sammy Lange, a cherished father, grandfather and husband, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. He was 82 years old. He was born to Perry and Hazel Lange and graduated from Grandfalls-Royalty High School. He continued his education at Texas Tech University and was a member of the ROTC and Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated with his bachelor’s in management before joining the Air Force.

As a pilot in the Air Force, he flew B52 bombers, UH1 “Huey” helicopters and other planes. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from the Air Force after 20 plus years.

Lange was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and the Rotary Club. He served as president of the Rotary Club and worshipful master for the Flora Masonic Lodge of Quitman. In 2008-09 he was Rotarian of the Year and named Citizen of the Year by the Quitman Chamber of Commerce.

In 2007-09 Lange was mayor of Quitman and went on to serve as an alderman for the city.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Hazel Lange; sisters, Emogene (Lange) and husband Delbert Hare, and Polly Lange Irby; and brother, Bud Lange. 

He is survived by his loving family, his wife of 37 years, Virginia A. Lange; his twin sister, Sherry Lange Nachlinger; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Kendall and Michael Moffitt, Courtney and Garrett Triplett; and five grandchildren, Anderson Triplett, Drake Moffitt, Emily Triplett, Cole Moffitt and Ian Triplett.

Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals and Cremations with Rev. Mike Cline officiating. Graveside service followed at Quitman Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour before service time, beginning at 9 a.m.

Serving as pallbearers were Anderson Triplett, Ian Triplett, Garrett Triplett, Drake Moffitt, Cole Moffitt and Michael Moffitt. 

Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Flora Masonic Lodge No. 119.