Harold Joseph Langlinais, beloved Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend, passed away at the age of 97 on March 29th, 2022, having lived a full and adventurous life. Harold was born on October 13th, 1924 to Obrey and Olive Langlinais in Biloxi, Mississippi.
As a youngster, Harold attended local schools, served as an altar boy in his church, picked shrimp and shined shoes in town. In his teens, Harold joined the local Golden Gloves Boxing Team. In 1943, Harold joined the Navy. Assigned to the USS North Carolina, Harold served the United States of America during WWII through 18 different campaigns. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946, ranked as an MM2.
Harold was married to Gloria Porter-Fleming in 1948. Together they had five children, Carolyn, Theresa, Donald, Gary and Glen. In 1964, Harold married Mary Lou Tyson-Henss. They had two sons, Curtis and Kevin.
Prior to moving to Iowa, Harold worked on shrimp boats with his dad and brother. In Iowa, Harold enlisted in the Navy Reserves and served his country for 20 additional years. He worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring after 25 years.
Harold kept very active throughout his years. An avid hunter, he enjoyed regular hunting trips out west with his friends. He crafted his own bows/arrows and used them to become Iowa State Champion in Archery three times. He started practicing karate at age 63 and won a canoe race down the Raccoon River at the age of 70. Harold enjoyed spending time at the Iowa State Fair and earned ribbons with his homemade wines.
Harold, sometimes called Shorty or Lang by friends, never missed a chance to tell a “true story”. If he wasn’t talking, he was whistling his trademark tune, “High Hopes”. Harold shared laughs and created many memories over games of pool or a cold beer at the local tavern.
Harold will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.
Harold was preceded in death by his father Obrey Langlinais, mother Olive Langlinais, son Gary Langlinais, son Glen Langlinais, granddaughter Brenda Cooper and brother Melvin Langlinais.
Harold is survived by his children Donald Langlinais (Leandra), Theresa (Tresa) Turner, Carolyn Fillmore, Curtis Langlinais, Kevin Langlinais (Michelle), grandchildren, nieces and nephews, his companion of many years Shirley Edwards, his sister Thelma Rogalski, The Papich Family, who loved him as one of their own and his many friends at Charley’s Southtown Tap.
May he rest in peace.
Harold will be interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery with full Navy honors on Monday, April 11th at 12:30pm. The family invites you to join them ifyou wish to pay last respects. The cemetery is located at 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr, Adel, IA 50003.