Emmett T. Lang

LANG- Emmett T., 96, of Westmont, passed away peacefully December 5, 2018, with family by his side.  Born October 9, 1922 in East Bangor, PA. Son of the late Clifford and Lillian (Feigenwinter) Lang. Also preceded in death by beloved wife of 49 years, Eloise (Hawkins) Lang, who passed in 2001, brother Clifford Lang Jr, beloved daughter Judith (Lang) Garber and nephew Terry Lang.  He is survived by son Jon Lang and his wife Carole (Weiler) of Sun Lakes, AZ, son Steven Lang and his wife Sara (Raeger) of Acme, PA, son Emmett Scott Lang of Westmont, son-in-law Richard Garber of Allentown, PA, sister-in-law Mavis Lang of East Bangor. Also survived by 5 grandchildren Julie Garber, Kathy Garber McKinnon married to John McKinnon, Robin Lang James married to Rodney James, Jon Douglas Lang, and Jeffrey Harris Lang married to Dawn Young Lang. Nine great grandchildren are Ryan, Shannon, Scott, Colin, Jack, Lauren, Nicole, Sean, and Christian; and nephew John C. Lang and his wife Suzanne of East Bangor. A 1940 graduate of Bangor High School, Emmett was a varsity athlete in football and basketball. In 1949 Emmett earned a B.S. in engineering from Lafayette College. He later earned a master’s degree in industrial relations from St. Francis University. Emmett served in World War II in the 334th Infantry Regiment of the 84th Infantry Division of the Army from 1943-45 as Staff Sergeant. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe. He was thrice wounded and received two bronze stars and a purple heart. In 2011 he authored a book about his service “Always a Soldier But Never G.I.: A World War II Soldier’s Personal Journey”, a best seller at Outskirts Press. Twice he was honored as VIP guest speaker at World War II Weekend at Reading Airport, an event with reenactments, encampments, the flying of war planes.  Emmett enjoyed annual reunions of the 84th Infantry Division Railsplitter Society of which he was a life member, served two terms as president and made many lasting friendships. He also attended the annual World War II Battle of the Bulge Living History Week at Fort Indiantown Gap. Emmett was employed for 37 years in the mining industry doing every job from face driller to Mine Superintendent to mine company president. He designed and laid out the Marion Mine, Tunnelton, PA, the first unit-train loading mine in the US. He handled all labor relations between operators and United Mine Workers of America in District 2. He then served as president of Tunnelton Mining Company for 6 years before closing his mining career by serving 13 years as president of the Central Pennsylvania Coal Producers Association. An Eagle Scout, with gold and silver palms, Emmett was active in Boy Scouts for 80 years.  He served as scoutmaster for many years in both Ohio and PA.  He served Westwood Troop for 7 years, was president of the Admiral Peary Council for 3 years, and served as first president of Penn’s Wood Council for 2 years. Emmett led a Philmont Expedition. He was a member of the Silver Beaver Association and a Vigil member of Order of the Arrow. Emmett was also an active member of Westmont Presbyterian Church for 60 years, having served many roles as trustee, elder and deacon. He enjoyed volunteering at the Westmont Farmers Market of which he was instrumental, and volunteered at the local food pantry. Emmett will be fondly remembered as an athlete who skied, golfed, bowled, and played tennis until he was 84 years old. He was an avid reader. Emmett and his wife Eloise enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Europe.  Among his greatest joys was hosting his children and grandchildren who traveled far to enjoy heartwarming visits at Christmas and other holidays at the home of their “Nana and Papa”. He was a member of Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 155 and American Legion Post 0294, both of Johnstown.  He enjoyed playing cards, winning money playing cards, and sharing many meals with beloved friends at Sunnehanna Country Club.  He treasured time spent with friends at the weekly mens prayer breakfast. Emmett touched the lives of many with his caring, kindness, friendship, leadership, and sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by all. Friends received 6-8 pm Monday and 10 to 11 am, time of service Tuesday at Westmont Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. Rene’ Whitaker, officiating.  Emmett will be buried at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westmont Presbyterian Church or the Laurel Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America in memory of Emmett T. Lang. The family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. (www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)