Francis was born October 23, 1927, in Clear Lake, SD, to Frank Martin and Margaret Theresa (Dailey) Langan. He attended school in Gregory, SD.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army enlisting on October 9, 1952. He was stationed at Fort Riley as a mechanic, when he received orders that he was being transferred to France. On March 13, 1953, he set sail. He was still in France when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, formally ending the war in Korea. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal.
Following his military service, he returned to Gregory where he worked for Sopers Hatch and Co. as a beekeeper, transporting bees across the country.
He later moved to Rapid City where he began working at Gibsons / Pamida as a custodian. It was at Gibsons where he met Anna, they were married August 19, 1972.
After marrying Anna, they moved to Tilford, SD, and he began his employment with the Meade County School District, as the custodian at the Erskine School. After retirement, they returned to Gregory where he lived until being admitted to the VA in December of 2017.
Francis enjoyed history - and sharing his knowledge with anyone and everyone he met, frequently challenging you to ensure history was not forgotten. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family and you could always count on him to have a root beer barrel for you. He will be remembered for his commitment to his Catholic faith, joining the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, his love and dedication to family, unwavering work ethic, sense of humor, generosity and willingness to help others, as well as his love of history.
Francis Martin Langan, 91, died peacefully with family at his side at Fort Meade Hospice on August 16, 2019.
Francis is survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, including his Godchild, Andrea (Langan) Barrows, Folsom, CA.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Johnny and George; and wife, Anna.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis.
Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, August 23, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.A memorial has been established to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gregory.

Click on link to view service folder