Vernie Joe Lang

Vernie Joe Lang, 74, a lifelong resident of Hodges, died Saturday, August 13, 2011, at an Abilene medical center. Born in Noodle, Texas, on November 17, 1936, Joe was the son of Trilby (Harris) and Lloyd Lang. He graduated from Abilene High School in the Class of 1955. He was owner and operator of Lang Glass from 1990 to 2011. Prior to that time, he worked for 25 years for Abilene Glass & Mirror of which he was a part-owner. He also worked in the real estate business and as a transmission line surveyor. He loved classic cars and restoring them. He was a member of the Last Chance Hot Rods & Classics Club, and enjoyed cruise nights and swap meets. Joe loved golf and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Abilene. Joe married Aleta Cleckler on March 17, 1956. He was a loving and supportive husband and father. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aleta Lang in 2007; parents; and brother, Robert Lang. Joe is survived by his daughter, Shelly Beasley and husband Greg of Hawley; two sisters, Betty Wade of Hodges, and Lena Wade and husband Dwain of Clyde; two grandchildren, Laci Beasley and Brent Beasley; and several nieces and nephews. Joe was also survived by a very special friend and companion, Lillie Mae Fraser. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 15, at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Patterson officiating. Interment will follow in Midway Cemetery at Hodges directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601.