A lifelong advocate for Columbia City, Don was deeply proud of the place he called home. More than a resident, he was a fixture in the community—someone whose presence, perspective, and commitment helped shape the city's identity. Over the past 65 years, he played an active role in the development of Whitley County, including having served impactful terms on both the Columbia City Council and the Columbia City Planning Commission. Through thoughtful leadership and steady guidance, Don helped lay the groundwork for growth while preserving the character and values of the community he loved.

To his family, Don was the embodiment of love and devotion. He was blessed to have married his college sweetheart, Jane Ann (Morsches), after meeting her as the two attended the great Michigan State University. Don would then go on to become a proud father to Brooks (Paula) Langeloh and Heidi (Keith) Polster, but his greatest joy came from being Grandad to his five grandchildren Alec Polster, Sydney Polster, Remy Polster, Hunter Langeloh, and Chase (Xirui Fu) Langeloh and "Grandaddy Pig" to his two great-granddaughters, Norah and Zoey Langeloh. Don cherished every moment with them, whether vacationing at Elk Lake, being a goofball to get everyone laughing, or often just sitting quietly in their presence. His family knew him as a soft-spoken man whose actions spoke louder than words, and whose steady, loving guidance shaped generations.

He was humble man who enjoyed life's simple pleasures: a good cigar, a Manhattan mixed just right, and the comfort of familiar company. He was never one to boast, though he had every reason to. His remarkable life held accomplishments that others would have eagerly shared, but Don preferred to let his work, his service, and his integrity speak for him.

Beyond family and community, Don's greatest passion was football, a game in which he forged an extraordinary career as an official. He served with distinction in the Big Ten, and later as Instant Replay Official in the NFL. It was a role he cherished, allowing him to remain close to the sport he loved while applying his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to getting the call right.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, Don's legacy lives on in the community he helped build, in the family he adored, and in the countless lives he touched through service, sportsmanship, and quiet acts of kindness.

Our world is better for having had him, and his memory will remain a guiding light for all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elli (Bank) Langeloh and a brother, Robert "Bob" Langeloh.

A 2:00 PM service will be held in his honor on January 31st, 2026 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City, IN. The Celebration of Life will follow starting at 3:00 PM until 6:30 PM and will be held at Eagle Glen.

The family is requesting everyone "Don" their favorite Big Ten or NFL apparel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Don & Jane Langeloh Community Fund in care of The Community Foundation of Whitley County.