Wayne Dean Langhofer

Wayne Dean Langhofer’s life began the 6th of June, 1947 in Herington, KS. He was the son of Harry and Elva (Adam) Langhofer. Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy August 10, 1964 and reported to Recruit Training Command, Naval Training Center, San Diego, California where he received his basic training. Subsequent duty assignments were to the U.S. Naval Station, Long Beach, California aboard YW-123; USS Tom Green County (LST-1159), Yokosuka, Japan; Coastal Division 13, An Thoi, Republic of Vietnam; U.S. Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; USS Ranger (CV-61); USS Enterprise (CVN-65); U.S. Naval Station Brig Staff, Charleston, South Carolina; USS Mahan (DDG-42); USS Mount Hood (AE-29); Brig Officer, Naval Air Station, Memphis, Tennessee and U.S. Naval Station, Guam as the Port Control Officer. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Langhofer retired on March 1, 1989 after 25 years of service.

Wayne’s military career earned him the receipt of the Bronze Star Medal (3 awards with Bronze V for Valor), Purple Heart Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commenda-tion, Navy "E" Ribbon (3 awards), Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (3 awards), Vietnam Service Medal (5 awards), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifle Medal and the Expert Pistol Shot Medal. Additionally, he received numerous letters of appreciation and commendation for his many years of devoted and professional military service.

Wayne was united in marriage to Carol Lynn (Maybee) Langhofer April 3, 1974 in Miami, OK for 41 years until her passing on April 17, 2015. During this marriage they welcomed their daughter Shelly and he became “Little Grandpa” to her three children - Presley, Easton and Kennedy. He was united in marriage to Mary Strand March 21, 2024 in Salina, KS.

Wayne was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Herington VFW Dix-Day Post 1281. He enjoyed morning coffee at Sweet Creations, playing golf at the Herington Country Club, gardening and grilling in his backyard, and relaxing at the family pond. Wayne is survived by his wife Mary Langhofer of Herington, KS; children Latisha Bild of Salem, OR and Shelly Langhofer of Herington, KS; grandchildren Anthony Carlisle, Presley (Hunter Clark) Idleman, Easton Idleman, Kailey Bild and Kennedy Idleman; siblings Devern, Delphos and Gavin (Teresa) Langhofer; step-children Leslie (Stuart) Mayes, Tracey (Terre) Burgess, Rod (Tonya) Coon, Missy (Mike Gonzolas) Flores.

Wayne passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Junction City, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, brother Charles Langhofer, and sisters Joyce Daugherty and Ima Wrightson. His family will gather with friends on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church for his memorial service led by Rev. Jim Peters. Wayne will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery with Navy Honors. Yazel Megli Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Wayne’s name may be directed to Herington Country Club or St. Paul Lutheran Church. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Wayne at www.yazelmeglifh.com .