Gerald Langle Obituary

Gerald Denton Langle

November 23, 1939 - June 16, 2025

Lincoln, California - Gerald Denton Langle, 85, passed away on June 16, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and respected attorney, Gerald spent more than five decades practicing law, including 44 years serving the Lincoln, California community he loved and called home.

Gerald was born on November 23, 1939, in his grandparents' farmhouse on a cotton farm in Marked Tree, Arkansas, an area affectionately known as "The Northern." He grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit farming family, picking cotton alongside his mother and forging the values of hard work and resilience that would define his life. At age 11, his family moved to Dallas, Texas, where he later attended Sunset High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday.

His Navy service took him across the Pacific aboard the USS Philippine Sea, an aircraft carrier, and later the USS Mount Baker, an ammunition ship. It was during this chapter, while stationed in California, that Gerald met the love of his life, Sondra. The two married and eventually made California their permanent home, raising three children - Jennifer, Heath, and Brooke - together with enduring love and pride.

Following his Navy service, Gerald worked for Crown Zellerbach Paper Company while attending McGeorge School of Law at night. In 1972, he earned his Juris Doctor degree, launching a 51-year legal career marked by integrity, compassion, and service. A longtime Rotarian and board member of the Lincoln Riders Club, Gerald's commitment to his community extended far beyond his legal practice. Whether advocating for clients, mentoring younger attorneys, or offering legal advice without hesitation, he was known as someone you could always count on.

Gerald's generosity, humor, and storytelling were legendary. He had a gift for turning everyday moments into vivid, unforgettable tales, many drawn from his early years in Arkansas and Texas or his Navy adventures. He was a true lover of animals and shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Tucker, whose nightly playtime and treat ritual brought him great joy.

Above all, Gerald was a man of steadfast values: loyalty to family, dedication to service, and a deep belief in doing right by others. He leaves behind a legacy not only in law, but in the countless lives he touched with kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support.

Gerald is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Sondra (Williamson) Langle; daughter Jennifer (Langle) Pattison; son Heath Langle and his wife Amy (Astone) Langle; daughter Brooke Langle and her partner Donna Jones; grandchildren Dakota Pattison and Harper Langle; and great-grandchildren Atreyu and Athena Pattison. He is also survived by his sister Pam (Langle) Clark, brother Joe Gordon and his wife Eeva Jokinen-Gordon, and many beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cassie Gordon and T.A. Langle, and his sister Marcia Johnson.

A visitation will be held at Lincoln Funeral Home on Thursday, June 26, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A private graveside service will follow on June 27 at Manzanita Cemetery. All are welcome to attend a celebration of Gerald's life from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 27 at McBean Park Pavilion (service planned for 1:30 to 2:30). The remembrance, led by his family, will be followed by a catered BBQ meal - Gerald's favorite.

Flowers may be sent to Lincoln Funeral Home, or donations made in Gerald's memory to the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation in lieu of flowers.