Duane Gillman Lang

Duane Gillman Lang, 86, of Jefferson City, formerly of Dixon, died Monday, July 16, 2012, in the Jefferson City Manor. He was born July 24, 1925, near Callaway, Neb., to James Gillman and Oma Geneva Yeck Lang. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Marilouise Carol Massie on June 2, 1946, in Broken Bow, Neb., and to this union, three children were born. Duane graduated from Callaway High School in 1943 and went to work for a year at Quaker Ordinance Plant in Grand Island, Neb. He then taught for three years in rural schools in Custer County, Neb. He also farmed and raised cattle for five years until for health reasons he had to leave the farm. He moved his family to Kansas City, Mo., where he enrolled in electronic school and worked nights at the Atomic Energy Division of the Bendix Corporation. After completing school, the family moved to Dixon, Mo., where Duane was supervisor of a TV repair company in Waynesville, Mo., for two years. The opportunity came for him to join the electronic department at Fort Leonard Wood. As he progressed in his field, he worked in avionics, the crypto department, and acquired addition schooling through the Department of the Army. In 1978, he became supervisor of the Maintenance Assistant Instruction Team, traveling in five states with his men, instructing reserve units in the maintenance of weapons, protective masks, chemical and biological radiation, electronics and communication equipment. He retired in 1985 after 28 years of service to the Department of the Army. Duane's hobbies included ham radio, woodworking, carving and cutting wood for his own use. He also loved his little dogs. He was a member of the Arlington Masonic Lodge No. 346 A.F. and A.M., Dixon, for many years. He attended the Russellville United Methodist Church. Duane is survived by his wife, Marilou, of the home; three children: Oma Lucille Lang, Jefferson City, Cynthia Joyce Lang, Big Timber, Mont., and Mark Gillman Lang, Vienna; four grandchildren: Tim Sims (Brenda), Jefferson City, Kevin Lang (Jenni), Jefferson City, Neil Meyerring, Lake St. Croix Beach, Minn., and Ashlie Otto (Norm), St. Thomas; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Graveside services were held Saturday, July 21 at Dixon Cemetery with arrangements by Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Dixon. Memorials are suggested to the Dixon Cemetery Association or charity of the donor's choice.