Robert Langford

Robert M. “Bud” Langford, 90, of Jonesboro, died Saturday, April 20, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. Born on April 7, 1929, Bud was a native and longtime resident of Jonesboro. He was a member of the First Christian Church, which he lovingly referred to as his “grandmother’s church.”

After graduating from JHS, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for two years before attending and graduating from Kansas State University where he received his bachelor’s degree.

He was a retired abstracter of real estate titles who started his career at Markle Abstract Company and later became owner-manager of Abstracts, Inc. for 17 years before selling the company to Lender’s Title, where he continued working until his retirement. During his career, he was appointed by the Governor to the Abstractors Board of Examiners for several years. He also taught classes at Arkansas State University under the real estate chair for a number of years.

Bud was a former Justice of the Peace on the Quorum Court and during his tenure served under five different Craighead County Judges. Throughout his life, he was involved in many civic duties, from Boy Scout troop interests to being on the board of directors of the Valley View Rural Water District, which made 80 miles of needed rural water lines available. He was a past president of the Jonesboro Rotary Club and past board member of Out of the Dark.

He always had a desire to fly and in the early 1970’s chose to pursue that dream by becoming the first licensed hot-air balloonist in the State of Arkansas. In 1973 he participated in the First World Hot Air Balloon Championship in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 53 years, Carolyn Markle Langford.
Survivors include his daughter, Lisa Langford Talley of Jonesboro; grandsons, Nick and Robert Talley of Jonesboro; sister, Nanella Chapman of Little Rock; and nephew, Don Jones (Lynn) of Little Rock. Bud also leaves behind a host of other cousins and friends.
A private graveside service was held Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home.
For lasting memorials, please consider the First Christian Church, 2600 Woodsprings Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404; or the NEA Humane Society, 611 E. Highland, Jonesboro Arkansas 72401.