Milton K. Lang, 92, of Grandview, Missouri quietly passed away on April 7, 2019. Milt was born on August 15, 1926 in Tampa, Kansas. His family moved to a farm in Chapman, Kansas in 1933. Milt eventually shared the small farmhouse with 6 brothers and 4 sisters (another sister died as an infant). When asked once about what it was like growing up, Milt replied, “Seems like we had to work all of the time”. His first job, at age 12, was on a thrashing crew. “I don't remember ever getting paid for it.”
During WWII, he was given a farm deferment but was forced to drop out of high school during his senior year. After WWII, Milt farmed with his brother Paul until he was, unfortunately, drafted into the Army during the Korean War in September 1950. Milt served in sub-zero temperatures within the 40th Infantry Division, 160th Regiment through September 1952. He left Korea as a Corporal and was told he made Sergeant when he was discharged but was more interested in getting out of the army than advancing in rank. After his discharge, he moved in with his older brother, Norman, who lived next door to Jess & Martha Farabee. In the summer of 1953, Jess’ sister, Nina Farabee, was introduced to Milt during one of her visits by Milt’s sister-in-law, Betty. They were married on December 30th, 1954. They remained married for 61 years when Nina passed in 2015.
Milt began working at Mar-Beck Appliance in 1954 as an appliance repairman (and later the shop foreman), where he worked for 25 years. He then worked at Sunbeam Appliance for 8-9 years followed by Ozanam Boys Home for 3-4 years. Milt retired in 1991.
Milton was preceded in death by his wife, Nina, and his daughter, Connie Shklar. He is survived by his two sons, Ron and Dennis Lang, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He was a patient and kind man who will be missed by all that were graced by his presence.
