Gerald LangNovember 16, 1934 - January 04, 2017VisaliaLong time Visalia farmer & rancher, Gerald Lang passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old. Gerald was born on November 16, 1934 in Exeter, CA to Carl & Mabel Lang. Gerald attended local schools and graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1952. He began his farming and ranching career soon thereafter.On March 7, 1960, he married Earlene Chatten and they established a home in Visalia, where they raised three children, a daughter and two sons.Gerald farmed walnuts, pecans, almonds, cotton, and other rows crops. He also raised beef cattle. In later years, his two sons and his two grandsons joined him in the farming and ranching operations. He had a passion for agriculture that he passed down to his daughter, his sons, and his grandchildren. Although a necessary tool in raising and working cattle, horses were Gerald's second love. He also had a passion for team roping. He was a member of ACTRA, the American Cowboy Team Roping Association, and won many awards in local, divisional and state competitions. You could find Gerald on a horse most weekends & when they were younger his grandchildren would eagerly await a ride with Grandpa.Gerald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Earlene; daughter, Lori-Anne Lang; son Tom Lang (and wife Leann); grandson Jared Lang (and wife Cierra); granddaughter Taylor Lang; son Jeffry Lang (and wife Jamie); grandson Nick Lang; and granddaughter Alyssa Lang; his sister Katharine Wilson of Pismo Beach, CA, and his sister-in-law Dorothy Copenhaver, of Pismo Beach, CA, survive him.The family would like to say a special thank you to the fabulous staff of Kaweah Delta Private Home Care and to Kaweah Delta In Home Health Care. It was because of your exceptional care that Gerald was able to live out his last few months at home where he was happiest.A Celebration of Life Service will be held, Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Exeter Memorial Building at 11:00am.Donations can be made to the in care of: Exeter , 251 E. Pine St, Exeter, CA 93221Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Condolences may be made at www.smithfamilychapel.com