John Edward Langford, Sr.

John Edward Langford, Sr., 72, of Zionsville, Indiana ascended to Heaven to be with Jesus on January 2, 2022 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

John was born in Indianapolis, IN on October 8, 1949 to James Earl “Buck” and Marjorie Gatlin Langford.  He lived his whole life as a Hoosier, in Indiana.  His life was lived in the body shop business following in the footsteps of his dad.  He worked for Giganti (Cline) Volkswagen, Porsche, & Audi for 23 years. He worked his way up to body shop manager before opening his own body shop, Langford’s Collision Repair, Inc. in 1993.

He was a man of integrity and honor and these principles helped him purchase an underperforming business and build it into a reputable, trusted name among body shops.  He, along with his wife Linda, dedicated blood, sweat, and tears to this business, and it became a family legacy with multiple family members working there throughout the years.  Greg and Liz Langford are operating it now.  John, Linda, and Greg worked there together for over 22 years.

A dedicated husband of 53 years, John was a man of prayer who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He prayed for his three sons, with devotion and raised them to have Christian character.  He was so proud of his boys and their families.

As a talented musician, he could hear a song and replicate it on the guitar with ease.  A songwriter and composer, he collaborated with others to compose his own albums.  He was an avid weightlifter for many years and loved to tell of his feats of strength in squats and arm curls.  John loved boating and fishing with his friends and family.  He also loved nature, especially birds and his German Shepherds.  He was respected and trusted by everyone who knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Linda; three sons, John (Cara) Langford Jr, Greg (Liz) Langford, and Jason (Angie) Langford; and five grandchildren, Kayley (John) Robertson, Amberly (Mason) Eversole, Ryan Langford, Nathan Langford, and Megan Langford.  John was preceded in death by his father, “Buck”; mother, Marjorie; and brothers, Robert “Bob”, Dick and Jimmy.

He was loved very much and will be missed!

A memorial service will be held at Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 on Thursday, January 13th at 4 PM.  Friends are welcome to visit from 2 PM until the time of the service.

Flowers may be sent to ARN for the service. The family would appreciate shared memories of John on his memorial wall or there will be an opportunity to share a memory in writing at the visitation.