Lawrence “Larry” Vincent Langan, 81, of Bardstown, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at Cooper Trail Senior Living.
He was born in 1944 on an Army base in Columbus, Miss., to Ruth and Vincent Langan. After World War II, the family returned first to Cairo, Ill., and later to Paducah. During his high-school years, his parents relocated to Lexington to give their sons greater opportunities for college. At Lexington Catholic High School, he excelled as a center in basketball and as a pitcher and first baseman in baseball, earning “All-City” honors in basketball. He received a full scholarship to Transylvania University for both sports, though basketball remained his deepest passion. He often credited his coaches, C.M. Newton and Lee Rose, as the most influential mentors of his life outside of his father. At Transylvania, he joined Kappa Alpha Fraternity, forming lifelong friendships with fraternity brothers Billy Reed, William Poulson, Glen Bagby, Finbarr Sanders, and Bruce Davis.
After earning his JD from the University of Kentucky, Larry married Barbara Preston on Aug. 8, 1970. When Barbara accepted a teaching position at Bardstown City Schools, the couple made Bardstown their home. He went on to practice law here for 44 years, embracing small-town life and retiring in 2014. He was widely respected in the local legal community for his honesty, devotion to his clients, and unwavering integrity.
He generously shared his time and talents with his community, serving on the Bethlehem High School Board and the Transylvania Alumni Executive Board. He was a voracious reader, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lifelong UK basketball fan. The Low Country of South Carolina held a special place in his heart, offering a peaceful retreat and countless joyful gatherings with family and friends. Those who knew him will remember his loyalty, kindness, mischievous humor, gift for storytelling, and remarkable ability to listen with genuine care.
His family is forever grateful for the kindness and compassion of the nursing staff at Cooper Trail, his Hospice team, and the caregivers from Caring Hearts, all of whom made his final days peaceful.
He is survived by his beloved wife and “love of his life” of 55 years, Barbara Langan; one daughter, Kelly L. Bailey (Philip); one brother, Tom Langan (Johnny Henderson) of Berkeley Springs, West Va.; his treasured “dolls,” granddaughters Violet Bailey, June Bailey, and Savannah Bailey; three cousins, Sheila Sweitzer (Steve), Maureen Owens (Bill), and Mike Monahan of Indianapolis; three nieces, Leandra Preston of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Sonia Preston (James Luther) of Orlando, Fla., and Lindsey Tyra of Dallas; and many cherished friends.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with the Rev. Jacob Zulu officiating.
The graveside service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at Lexington Cemetery.
Visitation is 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, and 8:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to “The Kindness Project” at Bardstown City Schools in his name, to continue his legacy of treating others as he wanted to be treated.
Serving as pallbearers will be Phillip Bailey, Edward Seay, Glen Bagby, Terry Geoghagan, Charles Simms, Davis Downs and honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Davis, Jack Seay, Bill Poulson, Finbarr Sanders and Mike Sloane.
The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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