1/10/1946 – 1/12/2026
Lawrence
Julie Irene Langford (Garcia), lovingly known as Irene, passed away on January 12, 2026, just two days after her 80th birthday.
Irene was born on January 10, 1946, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Rosa (Romero) Garcia and Patricio Garcia. She was the third youngest of twelve children and grew up surrounded by the love and deep bonds of a large family—something that would define her entire life.
She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1964, where she participated in the Office Education program, learning typing, shorthand, and secretarial skills. Those talents led to her first job as a secretary at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare and later the University of Kansas ROTC, beginning a lifetime of quiet competence, organization, and service.
In 1968, Irene met James “Buddy” Langford, Jr., a member of the United States Air Force stationed at Forbes Field in Topeka. When Buddy was deployed to Anchorage, Alaska, Irene soon followed. They were married on November 14, 1968. Buddy has said that the most beautiful sight he ever saw was Irene stepping off the plane in Alaska to join him—a moment that captured the depth of their love and commitment.
Irene was a lifelong, faithful member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she was an integral part of St. John’s Mexican Fiesta, generously giving her time and talents to support the parish and celebrate her heritage.
Family was the center of Irene’s world. She was truly the epicenter of her large family, the one who kept everyone connected. She cherished family gatherings and made it her mission to keep up with the lives of her many nieces and nephews—knowing not only their children, but their grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Her love was steady, inclusive, and unwavering.
Her greatest joy was her ten grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and wholeheartedly. Irene regularly cared for them when they were babies and remained actively involved in their lives as they grew. She showed her love in countless ways—especially through food—making homemade tortillas and always keeping their favorite snacks and candy ready for their visits. Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love, and her grandchildren knew they were always welcomed and cherished.
When she wasn’t surrounded by family, Irene enjoyed settling in for a good scary or Lifetime movie, saying her prayers, working her brain puzzles, and was a devoted Kansas Jayhawks fan, always cheering them on and often watching whatever college basketball game happened to be on television.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa and Patricio Garcia; her siblings Andrew Garcia, Santos Garcia, John Garcia, Antonia Ramirez, Juana Garcia, and Mercedes Jaimez; her nephews Andy Garcia, Jr., Jeff Garcia, Brian Garcia, and Richard Jaimez; and her nieces Linda Benitez and Patty Davison.
She is survived by her beloved husband, James “Buddy” Langford, Jr.; her children James (Kelly) Langford, Jonathan (Brittney) Langford, Jacinta (Nick) Hoyt, and Justin Langford; and her treasured grandchildren Jackson, Jordan, Jacinta, Jon Carlos, Julian, Jugo, Joaquin, Javier, Jimena, and Joanna. She is also survived by her brother Bob Garcia of Lawrence; her sisters Sabina Vasquez of Carlsbad, California, and Lucy Garcia and Candace Crane, both of Lawrence; along with many extended family members and friends who were blessed by her love.
Irene will be remembered for her devotion to family and faith, her quiet strength, and the way she made every person feel remembered and important. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured, the traditions she passed down, and the love she so freely gave.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence followed by the visitation until 5:00 p.m.
The family suggest memorial contributions to St. John’s Mexican Fiesta or to St. John Catholic School Eagles Wings Annual Fund and may be sent to the mortuary.
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