William Don Langwell

William Don Langwell age 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. He was born January 16, 1934 in Seminole, Oklahoma to J.B. and Temple (Webster) Langwell.

After a carefree childhood of setting oil covered gravel roads on fire and getting caught skinny dipping in other peoples ponds, Don married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Luise Rothrock, on April 3, 1953. He and Peggy had three children, Stephen Don, Susan Dawn, who died shortly after birth, and Timothy Barry. After living in Texas, Louisiana and Wyoming with his job at Cabot Corporation, Don returned to Oklahoma to take over his father-in-Law’s barbecue restaurant, Ben’s Barbecue, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, where he continued the family tradition of good barbecue and hard work. Following the untimely death of his wife, Peggy Luise, in 1992, Don retired from the family restaurant business. However, he found love again and married his second wife Geneva Allen. 

Beyond Don’s oil and restaurant careers, he had a passion for woodworking, spending time with his family, and watching sports of all kind. 

In June 2024, Don moved to Parker Colorado, where he lived near his son Tim, in a senior independent living facility until his death.

Don, lovingly known as “Papa” by his family, is survived by his sons, Steve (Vickie) Langwell and Tim (Cindy) Langwell. Step-daughters Tanya (Eddie) Jones, and Toni Allen. He leaves behind a proud legacy in his five grandchildren—Trenton Langwell, Kimberly (Denton) Doiron, Katie (Kyle) Spencer, Ashley Langwell, and Olivia Langwell—as well as five great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and several step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Temple, and three siblings, Wilma, Doris, and Jimmy, his first wife, Peggy and daughter, Susan Dawn, and his second wife, Geneva.

A viewing will be held at PONDEROSA VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICE CHAPEL, 10470 S. Progress Way, Parker CO 80134 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. A graveside service where Don’s ashes will be buried next to his wife Peggy, will be held at a later date in Seminole Oklahoma