Donald R. Lang

Donald Ray Lang, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 1, 2026. He was born September 16, 1947 in Cincinnati, OH the son of the late Betty (Lowmiller) and Charlie Lang. He is survived by his wife, Diane, the love of his life with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Also, his son Don (Amy) and daughter Sarah, grandchildren Chloe and Claire, dear sister Merry Atkins (Chuck) and brother Chic (Marty). Don was a cherished friend, neighbor, and colleague to many others.

Don attended Wyoming High School in Cincinnati, OH where he joined the tennis team, played saxophone in the school jazz band, and earned the nickname "The Duke" after the 1962 #1 song "Duke of Earl". Music would continue to be a big part of Don's life. He went on to attend the University of Cincinnati and was a forever loyal fan of UC football and basketball. He also enjoyed and supported all Cincinnati sports teams - Cincinnati Reds, FCC, and especially the Bengals. He was a story-teller and one of his favorites was his experience attending the "Freezer Bowl" - the 1981 AFC championship game that led to the Bengals first super bowl appearance.

Don was a self-made man who built a successful career in the medical field, dedicating many years to GE Healthcare. In retirement, he explored entrepreneurship, blending his business acumen with his love of dogs, and worked part time for the Cincinnati Reds.

Don loved his family and fur babies with all of his heart and showed up consistently as a loving, supportive husband, father, and brother. He encouraged wife Diane in her writing endeavors and travel adventures. He often shared memories of coaching son Don's youth soccer teams alongside brother-in-law and best friend, Chuck Atkins. In later years he enjoyed traveling to Columbus to watch son Don and daughter-in-law Amy playing soccer together. He supported daughter Sarah throughout her running years, packing brown-bag dinners with all her favorites, and in later years traveling to attend early morning races (jumping in to run alongside her when it got tough). A favorite game was playing his alter ego, "The Whoop-a-Doo", that resulted in the big belly laughs of granddaughters Chloe & Claire. Don always looked forward to the Thanksgiving holiday when he could cook alongside sister Merry while enjoying the company of his family all together.

Don's life reflected unwavering perseverance, deep compassion, and enduring kindness. He was simply the best and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Save The Animals Foundation, an organization close to Don's heart.

Services will be held at the Crossroads Oakley Chapel (3500 Madison Rd Cincinnati, OH 45209) on May 28th. Visitation from 1-2 PM followed by a memorial service from 2-3 PM. A celebration of life will be held later this year.