Joseph M. Langston, 66, of Lompoc, Ca, passed away on March 22nd, 2026. Joe was a wonderful and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was part of the Lompoc community since 1989.

He is survived by his wife Marie, brothers Paul and John and their families, his son Drew and wife Risa, his daughter Mollie and spouse Jeff, and three darling grandchildren Reagan, Lily, and Luke.

Joe was a dedicated Lompoc elementary school educator for over 27 years. He taught at Los Berros, La Honda, Miguelito, Fillmore, and ended his career at Buena Vista teaching kindergarten. Joe touched the lives of many students and their families. He often reminisced of fond and humorous moments along his kindergarten through third grade years of teaching. It wouldn’t be abnormal to be around town and have someone from a distance ask, “Are you Mr. Langston?!” Then proceed to share a story or two about class pets, the support and belief he had for his students. Joe also brought his love for tennis into coaching, spending several years coaching boys and girls JV tennis at Cabrillo High School.

In his free time Joe loved surfing, tennis, golf, racquetball, as well as hiking. He was also known amongst his friends and family to enjoy a cold beer or two. After retirement he could be found walking at this mission or hiking in the chaparral with his close friends and family. Joe was a huge fan of the beach and enjoyed spending time at Refugio, Gaviota, and El Captain. He also was known for walking Jalama Beach, and enjoying a burger after.

One of Joe’s favorites quotes: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift”

There will be no service so we kindly ask if you’d like to make a donation no matter the size, to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Joe lived with Parkinson’s for twelve years, and the research an awareness this foundation brings helps the families and those diagnosed, or the UCLA Jonson Cancer Center Foundation.