Wann Langston, Jr.

Wann Langston, Jr. (1921-2013) was a distinguished vertebrate paleontologist and Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences. He held the position of Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the National Museum of Canada (1954-1963) and directed UT Austin's Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory (1969-1986). His research focused on dinosaurs, Permian amphibians, and crocodilians, with significant contributions to the study of Deinosuchus and Quetzalcoatlus.

• Education: B.S. (University of Oklahoma), M.S. (University of Oklahoma), Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley)

Langston's career included over 50 years of fieldwork in North America, Canada, and Texas' Big Bend region. He reconstructed iconic fossils like the Quetzalcoatlus skeleton and Deinosuchus skull. His legacy includes over 100 publications, numerous species named in his honor, and major philanthropic contributions to paleontology institutions.

Recipient of the Romer-Simpson Medal (2007), his work is featured in museums worldwide. He is remembered for both scientific rigor and humor, famously quipping about a potential 'Homer Simpson Medal' during an award acceptance.

Family legacy: Married to Marietta Evans (60 years), father of Karen and Sandra Langston, with two grandchildren. Survived by both daughters and grandchildren.