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July 15, 2012

Langdon G. Southwell

SUTTONS BAY — Langdon Southwell, 87, of Suttons Bay, died Saturday, June 16, 2012, at home with his wife, Unis, by his side. Lang was born in Portland on Oct. 7, 1924, the sixth child of James W. and Mabel Hughes Southwell.

In 1942 Lang graduated Salutatorian from Portland High School, was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a forward observer in the 417th Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Armored Division, under General George Patton. He was awarded the Purple Heart while serving in the European Theater of Operations, which included the battles of Rhineland and Ardennes.

Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to Portland, where he married Unis Engle in 1947.

He attended Michigan State University, earning a B.S. in police administration and took a position as probation officer with the 14th Circuit Court in Muskegon. In 1963 he returned to M.S.U. and obtained a Master of Social Work degree and became District Manager of Western Michigan Parole and Probation Officers.

In 1982, following 28 years of service to the State of Michigan, Lang and his wife retired to Suttons Bay. He continued his parents’ business motto “Through service we grow” by volunteering within the community and helping family and friends.

In his retirement he enjoyed riding and maintaining antique motorcycles, sailing and watching his grandchildren grow up.

Lang is survived by Unis, his wife of 64 years; three children, Amy (Ted) Peterson, of Glen Arbor, Jane (Dan) Ecclestone, of Cedar, and Clark (Mary) Southwell, of Suttons Bay; and four grandchildren, Laurel and Sarah Chapman, Anna (Tracy) Forton and Leland Southwell.

He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service including military honor guard will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church. A light lunch will be served following the service. Those attending the memorial service are encouraged to share any stories regarding Lang.

Memorials may be directed to Munson Home Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684; Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, PO Box 340, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; and/or a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank all caregivers as well as Integrity, Just Like Family and Munson Home Hospice.

Please share thoughts and memories with Lang’s family on their online guestbook.

Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

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