Fallen Hero: Retired First Sergeant Jason Eric Langston

Panama City Beach, FL


Funeral Home

Southerland Family Funeral Home

100 E 19th St Panama City, FL
+18507858532

Visitation

See service details.

Service

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Deane Bozeman School Gymnasium on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Military honors will be accorded.


Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on June 26, 2024 and has moved on to his heavenly home.  Retired First Sergeant Jason Eric Langston, age , who had served within the MSARNG in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.  Jason had served as an ROTC Instructor /Recruiter at Ole Miss left the MSARNG in late 2007 and finished his career with the CAARNG retiring as a First Sergeant.  Jason and his family were currently residing in Panama City Beach, FL upon his passing.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:  Please share a memory of Jason to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
View Tribute Book
First Sergeant Jason Eric Langston, United States Army Retired, passed away peacefully in his home on June 26, 2024, at the age of 53. Born in Searcy, Arkansas, on September 15, 1970, Jason led a life dedicated to service and family.

He had an extensive military and law enforcement career, including service in the United States Air Force, Tennessee Air National Guard, Mississippi National Guard, California National Guard, DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, Tunica County Sheriff’s Office, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. During his time in the Air Force, Jason supported Operation Desert Shield/Storm from August 2, 1990, to October 9, 1991. He retired from active duty on December 15, 2017, and became a JROTC Instructor at Deane Bozeman School in Panama City, Florida.

A decorated veteran, Jason received numerous awards, including three Meritorious Service Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, an Air Force Achievement Medal, five Army Good Conduct Medals, two Air Force Reserve Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, three Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Medal for Recruiting & Retention, and the Army National Guard Recruiter Badge. Jason earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Charter Oak State College on July 31, 2003.

In 2011, Jason’s life was forever changed when he met his soulmate, Kelsey. The two built a beautiful family and life based around God, family, community and friends. Jason loved nothing more than throwing the football with his son, Eli, and he was immensely proud of his one and only son. He made it his life’s mission to mold his daughters, Lynlee and Ainslee, into the remarkable young ladies they are today. His joy and pride were unmistakable as he looked forward to his eldest daughter’s upcoming experience at Ole Miss. He also cherished his daily golf cart rides with his service dog, Halo.

God first and unwaveringly determined; Jason molded our family into who we are today. His connections with our children, students, and battle buddies were profound, and watching his interactions with them brought joy and inspiration to all who knew him. A staunch defender of family and loved ones, Jason touched and saved countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met. His love for his country and country music ran deep, reflecting his patriotic spirit and zest for life. He felt deeply and loved even deeper; his heart expansive enough to hold friends from coast to coast. Jason brightened every room with his dry, loving sense of humor, always ready with a quick wit and a gentle smile. He gave us strength through his own and his unwavering support and resilience was a constant source of comfort. Ever the protector, he stood as a steadfast guardian of those he loved, embodying the very essence of loyalty and devotion. His strength, character, and spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Jason was preceded in death by his Grandfather Doyle Wallace, Grandmother Betty Wallace, Grandfather Roy Fuller, Aunt Lisa Seufer, his brother Freddie Langston and his beloved English Bulldogs, Brewer and Mr. Waffles.

Left to treasure memories of Jason is his best friend and wife, Kelsey Langston; his three devoted children: Lynlee Langston, Ainslee Billingsley, and Elijah Langston; his parents, Terri and Paul Miller; his grandmother, Nelda Fuller; his loving sisters, Amanda Miller and Amelia Miller Ott (John); his two nieces, Ana Miller and Tessa Kate Lesley; and his beloved service dog, Halo. His unwavering love and commitment to his family will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Deane Bozeman School Gymnasium on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Military honors will be accorded.

In place of flowers, please donate to the Deane Bozeman School for the First Sergeant Jason Langston Scholarship Fund.