Major Lange

Major Frederic W. Lange, 82, of Monahans, Texas passed away February 3, 2017. Frederic William Lange was born on April 8, 1934 in Kenner, Louisiana to Frederic William Lange and Agnes Louise Nix. He married Carol Marie Mellen on October 2, 1982 in Monahans, Texas.

Frederic William Lange entered military school at the age of 12 until he completed the 8th grade and later graduated from Lawrenceville High School in 1950. He then attended college for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1953. He was a member of the Naval Cadet Flight Training Program. Fred served his country in the U.S. Navy from April 11, 1953 until February 14, 1955. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp as a Second Lieutenant and received his wings in March of 1955. Over the next year, Fred flew in Night Fighting Training. In 1956 he received orders to report to Kingsville, TX to be an instrument instructor for the U.S. Navy. Frederic was sent to Japan in 1957 where he served as a staff officer for 15 months, he then returned to the states in 1958 at which time he was assigned to flying transports, Fred called it a "flying box car". He flew transports until 1962, and then entered the Marine Corps Communications School in Quantico, Virginia for the next 6 months, and returned to Texas In 1963 to the Second Air Wing and was assigned to Marine Air Group 24 as the communications officer. In 1964 Fred was assigned aboard the USS Boxer Air Lasion and was with the "MEU" Marine Expeditionary Unit Second Division. He was then assigned to Cherry Point Air Station, Operations Control Tower. In 1965 Fred was assigned to headquarters at Norfolk, VA., Headquarter Squadron where he flew VIP's to their destinations. In 1967 Fred was a member of the first command arriving in Japan, and for the next 6 months was an executive officer on U.S. Marine Air Bases. In 1968 he was assigned as Special Services Officer at Buford Marine Corp Air Base, and later was Assistant Operations Officer for the air station. In 1970 Fred attended helicopter training and in 1971 was a member of 1st Marine Air Craft Wing, then overseas to Helicopter Squadron (HMM16) on the USS Tripoli, where he flew helicopters in and out of Vietnam. In 1972 Fred returned to the states as "Wings Embarkation Officer" and retired from the U.S. Marine Corps on October 31, 1973.

The Medals Fred received are National Defense Service Medal, also Letter of Appreciation; The Campaign Medal; Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; 2 Stars and many more.

Fred was truly a great man, proud of his service to his country, and was a mentor to many throughout his life. He lived by one Rule "To Thine Own Self Be True". Many will miss Fred, but his memory will live on in their hearts.

Fred is survived by his wife Carol of Monahans, Texas; three daughters, Cynthia Norton of Newnan, GA, Rosemary (Harold) McCoy of Newnan, GA, Carol (Chuck) McLemori of Newnan, GA.; four sons, Calvin Lange of Midland, TX, Frederic (Regina) Lange of Newnan, GA., Scott (Shawna) Reynolds of Monahans, TX, Drew (Evelyn) Skinner of Italy; three step-daughters, Teresa Struder of Monahans, TX., Debra Phillips of Kalamazoo, MI., Victoria (Jim) Mast of Oklahoma, 11 Grandchildren, and 10 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife.

The Family would like to extend Thanks to the Billy Neace and Monahans Pharmacy, and Star Care Home Health Nursing for their kindness and assistance during this time. You were all with us every day and all is deeply appreciated. God Bless You All. Per Fred's wishes cremation was chosen. Arrangements are entrusted to the Harkey Funeral Home of Monahans.