Sidney Lang

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Sidney Wayne Lang, age 69. Peacefully departed this life and received his wings at 9:49 pm on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO. After battling a long illness.

Born on April 19, 1954, in Leland, MS, Wayne was the cherished son of Herman Sidney Lang Jr and Tommie Jewel (Ferguson) Lang. Raised in Illinois, he relocated to Riverton in 1969, graduating from Riverton High School in 1972. Wayne then bravely served in the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to 1976 during the Vietnam War, later returning to Cherokee County in 1986.






His professional journey included years as an auto mechanic for Goodyear and a Ford dealership before his tenure at Leggett and Platt, where he retired in 2009. A faithful attendee of First Baptist Church, Riverton KS, Wayne also held the distinction of being a licensed airplane pilot.

On January 15, 1973, Wayne united in marriage with Cindy Lee King in Galena, KS, who survives him. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his daughter, Tracy Purcell (husband, Paul), Joplin; son, Terry Lang (wife, Jennifer), Columbus; sisters; Shirley Morton, Riverton, ,Nadine Woods (Lance), Baxter Springs, Gail Truster (David Haggard), Webb City, MO, Sarah Thompson (Jason), Galena; brother-in-law Arley Tash, Galena; And was a devoted Papa to 8 grandchildren, Jessika Puckett, Levi Puckett, Zoe Purcell, Logan Purcell, Luke Purcell, Alex Purcell, Isabella Purcell, Adrienné Lang, and Benjamin Lang, and one great-grandson, Brecken Puckett.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Tash.

The family will be available to receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS, with Michael Pearce officiating. Military graveside rights will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, KS. Following the celebration of Wayne's life, there will be a dinner to honor his memory.