1950-2026
Dwaine Charles Lange, 76, of Norton, Texas, passed away after a life dedicated to God, agriculture, family, and service to his community on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Dwaine Charles Lange, a lifelong farmer, community leader, and devoted family man, was born on August 4, 1950, in Ballinger, Texas, to Anton John and Amanda Matilda (Wilde) Lange. A proud West Texan, Dwaine developed a deep connection to the land at an early age and spent his life farming in the Norton community alongside his parents, brothers, and sister.
After attending Angelo State University from 1968 to 1971, Dwaine devoted himself to agriculture. Beginning in 1968, he jointly operated Lange Brothers Farms in Norton, where he built a respected career as a cotton farmer. His dedication and knowledge of agriculture earned him recognition as the Agribusinessman of the Year by the Texas Extension Service in 1989. On March 18, 1995, he married the love of his life Judy Frances Holik and together they shared 21 beautiful years before her passing in 2016.
Dwaine believed strongly in giving back to the agricultural community. He served as Chairman of the Runnels County Crop Committee for the Texas Extension Service beginning in 1978 and later served as Vice-Chairman of the Runnels County ASCS Committee for the United States Department of Agriculture. He was also a member of the Runnels County Agriculture Advisory Board, where he continued to lend his experience and knowledge to the betterment of agriculture in the county. He was a longtime member of the National Farmers Union, serving as Treasurer of the Runnels County organization beginning in 1973. He was also involved with the Texas Young Farmers, serving as Treasurer of the Winters Young Farmers; and was currently a director for Valley Creek Water Control District.
His commitment to service extended well beyond farming. Dwaine proudly served in the United States National Guard from 1971 to 1978, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was also a dedicated member of the Norton Lions Club, an organization in which he invested many years. He served as President from 1988-1989 and again in 1995, as Zone Chairman from 1985-1986, and was recognized with a Perfect Attendance Award for more than two decades of faithful participation. If you have ever attended the annual Norton Lion’s Club pancake supper, you have had the privilege of seeing Dwaine sporting his apron and serving up fresh pancakes hot off the griddle. Dwaine was also a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where he served as a CCD office assistant and lead coffee drinker for many years.
Throughout his life, Dwaine was known for his dedication to the land, his strong work ethic, his willingness to serve others, his commitment to the community he called home and his faith in God. Agriculture was more than a profession to him—it was a way of life and a legacy he proudly carried forward. While Judy was the love of his life, a close second could have been a tractor. Dwaine had a great love for “rescuing” and restoring antique tractors. He could educate you on the make, model and history of almost any tractor and was proud to do so.
Dwaine's life touched countless people through his work, his service, and the relationships he built throughout Runnels County and beyond. His legacy will live on in the land he tended, the organizations he served, and the many lives he influenced through his years of dedication and friendship, especially his family to whom he was deeply devoted.
Dwaine is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Amanda Lange, his wife, Judy Lange, and his brother, Anthony Lange.
He is survived by his stepdaughters Shaelynna Holik (Stephen), and Julie Gould (Allen). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Luke Holik, Madelynn Spahr, P.J. Spahr, Cheryl Gould (Kelly McVey), Jordan Gould, Devon Gould (Kelsey), and great grandchildren, Chandler McVey, Grayson, Everly, Goldie, and Eloise Gould. Dwaine will also be greatly missed by his brothers Doyle Lange (Janice), Richard Lange (Jean), and his sister Marlene Harrell; nieces and nephews, Amanda Brake (Jason), Herbert Harrell (Melissa), Phoebe Branham (Garry), Sarah Lange, Travis Lange (Amber); great nieces and nephews, Aeryn and Jennsyn Brake, Anton, August, Benedict, John and Mark Harrell, Payton and Paysley Branham, and James Lange.
A rosary will be held for Dwaine on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the chapel at Lange Funeral Home. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger, Texas, with Father Hilary celebrating. Interment will follow at Miles Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Scholarship Fund in Dwaine’s honor.
