RAPID CITY | Wayne F. Lang was born to Fred and Emma (Tootie) Lang on September 20, 1920 in Bixby, South Dakota. He grew to manhood in Deep Creek and was engaged in ranching with his father. He ranched as a partner with his father until his father's health failed. Wayne said that he never liked ranching, so this was a good time to move on.

Wayne was educated in rural schools. He graduated from the eighth grade in Perkins County and attended ninth grade in Perkins County. He then did correspondence at the American School in Chicago.

In the summer of 1949, he was offered a position in the Farmer's State Bank in Faith, SD by Francys Naslund. With her, he advanced through from assistant cashier to president the last two years of his career. He retired from the bank in 1985. He served as director for 30 years.

He married Verla (Veal) Jones in February of 1956. Verla was also employed at the Farmer's State Bank. Verla had one son Robert, who Wayne adopted.

Wayne was very active in the Faith community, serving as treasuer of the Hospital Board, secretary of the Faith Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the Faith Stock Show, treasuer of the Bethel Lutheran Church in 1961, when the parsonage was built. Wayne served on the city council from 1958-1960 when he was elected Mayor of Faith from 1960-1964.

Verla and Wayne were involved in much of the development of the Faith community. Wayne and Verla owned and operated the Naslund Insurance Company until 1985.

After retirement, they spent their winters in Arizona and the summers in South Dakota, until 1995 when they moved to Rapid City, still visiting Arizona in the winter and spending their summers in South Dakota. During this time, they took the trip of a lifetime to Australia.

In 2005, they moved to Echo Ridge Senior Living in Rapid City for a new adventure. They made many new acquaintances who became long lasting friends. As would be expected, Wayne and Verla were a vital part of the senior community. Wayne had a great place to enjoy his love of walking. He said he walked from Rapid City to Corpus Christi, Texas and back through the halls of Echo Ridge. That is a big accomplishment.

Wayne was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star.

Wayne is preceded in death by both of his parents and his wife, Verla.

Wayne is survived by his son, Robert Lang of Hill City.

Visitation and prayer service will be held on Wednesday August 17 at 5-7p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City. Graveside service will be held on Thursday August 18 at 1 p.m. at Chance Cemetery in Chance, South Dakota.

Memorials may be directed to Echo Ridge Senior Assisted Living Facility in Rapid City.

Friends and family may leave online condolences and sign the guest book at the funeral home website.

Black Hills Funeral Home