Living tributes to Keefer and Langston

Two trees now frame the Welcome to Marlin sign on Marlin Middle School property on Highway 6. These two crepe myrtles were planted by the Lions Club of Marlin as living tributes to Lion John Keefer and Lion Charlotte Fowler Langston. 

John Keefer worked to make Marlin a better place to live. He served as Marlin’s Mayor, and, as such, served as the chief representative of the people of Marlin. He was a business owner; he opened several businesses and cleaned up numerous properties, always keeping the needs of the people in mind and demonstrating his executive acumen for turning civic vision into civic reality. Mrs. Gayleen Keefer and daughter Emma Keefer watered the tree planted in John Keefer’s name, knowing that this living tree will continue to benefit the people of Marlin.

Charlotte Fowler Langston came to Falls County from Louisiana, where she was a medical doctor in Family Medicine and an OB/GYN specialist serving our military personnel at Ft. Polk and the Veterans Administration Hospital. Having moved to Falls County, Charlotte and husband Douglas Langston joined the Lions Club in Marlin. Charlotte served as Lions Club of Marlin Diabetes Chair until her passing away. She sewed quilts for those in need and, as a Lion, made an afghan to raffle for funds to support the fight against Children’s Cancer. As Chair for Children’s Cancer also, she was key in a joint Lions District project held in Temple that provided cancer patients and their families with a play day. Charlotte was also an avid equestrian. While in Louisiana, she participated in numerous trail rides, bringing home trophies and ribbons. Husband Douglas Langston watered his wife’s tree, a living tribute.

Their memory lives on through the impact they had on the lives of others and their community. Their memorial trees are a physical reminder that their legacies continue. 

Special thanks to Lion Jerry Wood, Living Trees Project Coordinator.