Anthony Walter Lange

Anthony Walter Lange, 79, of Norton, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, February 27, 2026. The first of five children, he was born in Ballinger on January 30, 1947 to Anton J. and Amanda M. (Wilde) Lange. At that time, his parents were living at the Wilde homeplace in Bethel, Texas with the Herbert Wilde family. He was a life-long member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger, Texas.

He attended Norton schools and graduated from Norton High School in 1965. He originally enrolled in San Angelo College and graduated from Angelo State University in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Anthony was part of a close-knit farming family in the Norton, Texas community. He spent countless hours with his parents, brothers, and sister tending crops such as cotton, wheat, and milo. The family also raised cattle and chickens. One of Anthony's specialty projects was raising pheasants and pigeons.

A lover of flowers, Anthony spent many years cultivating antique roses and hybridizing tall bearded iris. He introduced the following iris cultivars: 'Cactus Moon', 'Flash Flood Falls', 'Lightning Strike', and 'Veronica's Veil' which can be found in gardens across the nation. One of his community contributions was lining the sidewalks of the Runnels County Courthouse with different varieties of tall bearded iris, many of which still catch the eye of passersby in the Spring with their beautiful blooms. Anthony was also an active member of the Native Plant Society in San Angelo. He made many friendships with fellow plant lovers across the state and nation. You could often run into him at Wal-mart, usually buying a plant or at Lowe's rescuing plants from the clearance rack.

An avid historian, Anthony served in multiple officer capacities and was an active member of the Runnels County Historical Commission for many years. He was integral in establishing St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in the National Register of Historic Sites. He also was a frequent contributor to the West Texas Collection at Angelo State University.

You could often find Anthony serving pancakes or ice cream at the many annual Norton Lions Club events. He also held officer positions with this service organization.

Anthony is preceded in death by his father, Anton J. Lange; his mother, Amanda M. (Wilde) Lange; and his sister-in-law, Judy (Kirkham) Lange.

He is survived by his siblings: sister, Marlene Harrell; brothers, Dwaine Lange; Doyle Lange and wife Janice; and Richard Lange and wife Jean - all of Norton, Texas.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Amanda Brake and husband Jason of San Angelo; Herbert Harrell and wife Melissa of Olfen; Phoebe Branham and husband Garry of Miles; Sarah Lange of Barnhart; Travis Lange and wife Amber of Mertzon; Shaelynna Holik and Stephen Van Bibber of Wellman, Iowa; and Julie Gould and husband Alan of Coleman.

He has thirteen great nieces and nephews: Aeryn and Jennsyn Brake; Anton, August, Benedict, John, and Mark Harrell; Payton and Paysley Branham; Luke Holik; Madelynn and PJ Spahr; and James Lange.

A rosary will be held for Anthony on Monday, March 2nd at 6:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 3rd at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Monsignor Larry Droll celebrating. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Olfen, followed by a meal at St. Mary's hall.

The family requests that memorials be made to West Texas Rehab or a favorite charity.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Central Texas Nursing and Rehab for their tender love and care of Anthony, as well as Dr. Alan Hardwicke.