In loving memory of

Donald S. Langellier
July 21, 2015

Donald S. Langellier, of Lee's Summit, MO and formerly of Quincy passed away July 21, 2015 at 3:30 am in his home.

He was born June 5, 1927 in Clinton, Illinois, the son of Maurice Fielding and Anna Laura Slider Langellier. On August 19, 1951, he married Vivian L. Jones in Paducah, KY.

Immediately following his 1945 Quincy High School graduation, Mr. Langellier answered the call to active duty in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge in August of 1946, he began studying music education at Murray State University. His Bachelor's degree was followed by a Master's degree from Florida State University. He retired in 1986 after 35 years of teaching, with the inclusion of three years in Salisbury, NC and 32 years in the Quincy Public School system. He played in the Quincy Symphony Orchestra from 1954 to 2008. He was a member of First Union Church, where he served as choir director for 30 years. Mr. Langellier was a former member of Q.E.A., I.E.A., and N.E.A. and a member of the Adams County Retired Teachers Association.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Randall Langellier and his wife, Dia, of Springfield, IL; three daughters: Sharon Willoughby and her husband, Scott, of Lee's Summit, MO; Linda St. Pierre, of St. Charles, IL; and Lora Anne Nevins and her husband, Russell, of Lee's Summit, MO; 11 grandchildren: Richard Willoughby, Tacy Willoughby, Aaron St. Pierre, Rebecca St. Pierre, James St. Pierre, Nicholas Langellier, Robert Langellier, Jacob Langellier, Ashtin Nevins-Osborne, Riley Nevins, and Madisonne Nevins; two great-granddaughters, Rose St. Pierre and Parker Osborne; and a sister, Alice Ruth Smith of Asheville, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service: 10:00 am Friday, July 24, 2015 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Inurnment: A private family ceremony with military honors will be held Quincy Memorial Park, Quincy, Illinois.

Memorials: Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association (QSOA) Endowment Fund.

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Cyndi (Hadfield) Cross wrote on Aug 3, 2015:

"Linda, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your father .... I have been looking for you for several years, and just learned of your dad's passing. I no longer live in Charleston, but my parents do (in the same house) and I am on Facebook as Cyndi Ann Cross. Please find me .... Until then, I will pray for you and your family to find peace and blessings. Love, Cyndi"

Ann Westhoff-Sorvino wrote on Jul 26, 2015:

"Mr. Langellier was such a lovely man and an inspiring teacher. He was my private violin teacher for many years and he was so patient, especially as I sawed away, trying to improve. I always wanted to do better so he would be proud. The musicality he shared has traveled with me always. Even though I haven't played the violin in years, my love of classical music is deep. He was such a fine musician himself and he was so humble about his abilities. My sincere sympathy to his family and everyone in Quincy, who have lost such a fine mentor."

Amy Westhoff Bonano wrote on Jul 26, 2015:

"I had the privilege of having Don Langellier teach me the violin many years ago and I am forever grateful to him for sharing this gift with me. As an adult I have picked up the violin again and think of Mr. Langillier every time I play! Mr. Langillier was encouraging, kind, funny, and of course, extremely knowledgable--the perfect mentor! My deepest condolences to the Langillier family. With heartfelt sympathy, Amy (Westhoff) Bonano"

Richard & Fern Heitholt wrote on Jul 25, 2015:

"Don was a special classmate in QHS class of '45. We were fortunate to have him leave his mark on a great QPS music program and his positive influence on so many students. Condolences to the Langelier family and God's Blessings."

Richard and Barbara Fry wrote on Jul 24, 2015:

"Don was our choir director when we sang with First Union Congregational Church. Barbara sang with Viv for many years in Symphony Chorus. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was an outstanding musician and teacher, and his musical legacy will live on for many years to come. Our love and prayers go out to his family. You have our deepest sympathy."

Paula (Chaney) Morrison wrote on Jul 24, 2015:

"Mr. Langellier was my first violin teacher when I was in fourth grade so many years ago. And he was one of my instructors throughout the summer orchestra classes I took through high school. I remember him as a kind, gentle man with an addictive enthusiasm for music and for life in general. My heart goes out to his family as I know he will be sorely missed."

Ann Behrens wrote on Jul 24, 2015:

"Don was a gentleman, a fine musician, and a wonderful colleague at QPS. We spent many lunch hours in the 5th floor band room office with the entire junior high music staff. His positive attitude and enthusiasm for music will live on in the lives of all those he touched."

Teresa Oshner-London wrote on Jul 23, 2015:

"Mr. Langellier was my instructor for summer band. Will cherish the fond memories of him."

Barbara Rowell wrote on Jul 23, 2015:

"Oh, Vivian, I am so sad to hear the news about Don. I am so happy we spent the wonderful times together at John Knox ....and what a joy that both of you shared your talents with the musical and community theatre groups at John Knox. I will miss him as will everyone who knew him. Hope to get together when I visit with Mert.Love and hugs...."

Debra Brown wrote on Jul 23, 2015:

"I am so sorry for the great loss of Donald Langellier! I will remember his smile, the glint in his eye, and his unending love of music and sharing it with others... until the day I die! He was a wonderful man with a loving and talented family! And I loved the pride he took in his yard and garden! Donald...you will be greatly missed....but never forgotten!"

Mary Therese (Wagner) Heffernan wrote on Jul 23, 2015:

"I have many wonderful memories of summer music with Mr. Langellier and Shari and Linda as well. So sorry to hear of his passing."

Michele Winters Alger wrote on Jul 22, 2015:

"My condolences to the family. He was a wonderful teacher. He was always patient and encouraging to every student. His love of music, will continue in all of us who were fortunate to know him!"

Karen Quade Rasulo and Family wrote on Jul 22, 2015:

"I am deeply saddened to hear that our dear friend and cherished teacher has passed away. Mr. Langellier has touched so many of our lives throughout his career as an inspiring and dedicated teacher, instilling in us his love of music. Perhaps we remember him even more, though, for his genuine, warm and caring friendship. You are in our hearts and prayers, and we hope that you are comforted by recollections of the enduring impact this exceptional man has had on our lives."

Donna Tappe wrote on Jul 22, 2015:

"So sorry to hear of Sorry to hear of Don's death. Such a wonderful musician."

Stuart Schelp wrote on Jul 22, 2015:

"Many fond memories"

Daniel Fry wrote on Jul 22, 2015:

"I played in groups directed by Don toward the end of his school teaching career, and the enthusiasm and leadership he had was apparent. I also remember accompanying some string students of his at the house during lessons. I was also in the youth orchestra when it was supposed to go to Europe under his direction some 30 years ago, which unfortunately did not happen. I also served as choir director at First Union, where he directed, in the late 1990s. I won't be able to get to Quincy for the service, but wish to extend my condolences to his family and thanks for a life well lived in service to others and music."

maureen (mccarthy) broussalian wrote on Jul 22, 2015:

"You were a wonderful conductor and a great inspiration to us all. Thanks for believing and encouraging us young kids back in the day. My mom (Theresa McCarthy) really loved you as well. May you rest in peace and the heavenly orchestra play for you eternally. - Maureen (oboe)"

Pam DelaBar wrote on Jul 22, 2015:

"My sincere condolences to Mr. Langellier's family. He was an excellent teacher."

Karen Lewis Forte wrote on Jul 21, 2015:

"Thanks for bringing music into our lives!"

Jean and Ann Gilchrist wrote on Jul 21, 2015:

"We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Langelier's passing. We have the fondest memories of wonderful times involved with QHS Orchestra days. Mr. Langelier was a true gentleman and giving of his musical talents, intellect and kind treatment of everyone. We are thinking of you all and will cherish the beautiful memories of a beautiful man. We have often seen his headstone, as it is very near our Dad. Now we will have another friend to visit when we are at Qy Memorial Park."

Lana Anderson wrote on Jul 21, 2015:

"So sorry to hear of Don's passing. I remember his wonderful wit and sense of humor. Did some student teaching with him and he was a great teacher. Had many great years with him and Viv in symphony."

Elizabeth Parchim wrote on Jul 21, 2015:

"My prayers go out to the family of Mr. Langellier, who was my violin teacher for many years. He truly loved teaching music. There must be some truly beautiful music playing in Heaven this evening."

Rev. Ted Bean wrote on Jul 21, 2015:

"Don Langellier was one of the finest teachers I had, anywhere, and was a true gentleman, an exceptional musician, and also had a wonderful sense of humor. I am very grateful for his positive influence not only in my life but in the lives of countless other students as well. His love of music was ever-present as was his love of Quincy. My sympathies to his family. It was a privilege to know him in this life."