Willard Marvin Langley

Willard Marvin Langley, 77, of Houston, Texas, was born Sept. 13, 1931, near Piggott. He died Aug. 31, 2009 in Katy, Texas.

He graduated Piggott High School in 1948 and attended the University of Arkansas before returning to the family farm and working for Texas Eastern Pipeline. In 1957 he became a regional sales manager for McCormick. Eventually he bought a Houston spice company, Consolidated Mills, Inc. He remained there until he later sold the business and retired.

He was an active member of St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Katy for 23 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge at St. Francis and was awarded his 50-year pin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Sylvia (Sarver) Langley; a sister, Pauline Williams, and a brother, Jack Langley.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Betty (Braden) Langley; a daughter, Barbara (Mark) Estep; three grandchildren, Jill, Vance and Julie Estep; his brother, Hubert (Betty) Langley and numerous nieces and nephews.

Willard suffered with leukemia for the last 12 years and was treated at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the center as well as the Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Care Center and Resolution Hospice for the loving care for the past six months.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Willard's name to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas, 77210-4486.