B. Bernard Lankford, Jr.

  It is with great sadness for family and friends, but we are sure with glorious joy in the presence of his Savior for Bernard, that we announce the death of B. Bernard Lankford, Jr., on February 7, 2025, due to numerous health complications the past 2 1/2 years. 

  Bernard was born in Austin, Texas, to Lena Bollman Lankford and Buford Bernard Lankford, Sr., on December 12, 1937. He was the first born of their three children, and was the unique, fair-haired individual from that moment throughout his entire life. He was raised in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from North Dallas High in 1956. He was an outstanding athlete, on Varsity teams as a freshman, and held numerous basketball and baseball records and achievements. He served as a Marine Reserve, then graduated from the University of Texas in 1964 with a Petroleum Engineering degree. He became a Registered Professional Engineer and commemorated 50 Years of Membership in 2017.

  After graduating with his degree, he "rough-necked" in the oilfields of Louisiana, both on-shore and off-shore rigs. His first Engineering job was with Penrod Drilling Company. He later held Engineering jobs with Tidewater/Getty Oil, Kern County Land Company, Signal Oil & Gas, and BTA. Being an entrepreneur at heart, he became an independent oil consultant in 1971, starting Lankford Engineering, BBL Drilling Company and Lankford Oil Company. He worked in Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

  He was active in sports throughout his life. He owned one of the first fitness centers in Midland, Texas and was co-owner of the Professional AA baseball team, Midland Cubs, later becoming sole owner of the AA Midland Angels. He played "pickup noon basketball" with the famous and infamous, at the Midland YMCA several days a week and scheduled many racquetball games with much younger opponents who seldom beat him. He headed up/served on several YMCA fundraising campaigns. He met his wife, Bette, at the water fountain there, in between his basketball game and her aerobics class.

  Also, while in Midland, Bernard was an active member of Midland Lutheran Church. He served as church President and led the building program for the new church sanctuary in 1986-1987. He was a member of Bridgebuilders and served on many church committees. He always loved attending Christmas Eve Midnight church service with his children.

  In 1998 he retired from Oil and Gas Consulting and he and Bette moved to Weatherford, Texas where Bernard continued the ranching and farming, he had started in Kerrville and Midland, Texas. At their Moriah Farms, he raised Registered Texas Longhorns and supported Bette's horses. He was a member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association and served as Chairman in 2012-2013. He was a lifetime member of the TLBAA and the AQHA.

  Before his health decline, he was an active member of First Methodist Church Weatherford, serving on numerous committees. He was especially humbled by his study and work as a Stephen Minister. He ministered to many individuals, both formally and informally. He hosted a weekly men's "42" Domino Game in the Moriah Farms bunkhouse and thought of each of these men as very special friends in Christ. 

  Bernard had the best children in the world and in 2010, he added another daughter, Allison, (long and amazing story!). By example, he instilled in them love of family, a strong work ethic, pursuing dreams, and always being ready to play games of any kind! He gave them unconditional love and was a strong example of being a man of principle. 

  He made many friends through his work, through sports and through his church. He never met a stranger and was at ease with people from all walks of life. He was known for his whip-smart, one-of-a-kind humor, his intelligence, his core decency and his far-reaching impact on those he knew. To many who knew him he was "Larger than Life." 

  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chester and son, Richard; brother, Douglas Lankford; grandson, Bo Seibert and grandson, Samuel Meyer; and brother-in-law, Thurman Blackburn.

  He is survived by his best friend and wife of 34 years, who held his hand in life and death, Bette; his children, Penni Watters, BB Lankford III (Szilvia), Polly Meyer (Mike Autin), Layna Olszewski (Matt), and Allison Mobley; his beloved sister, Dinah Blackburn; 12 grandchildren: Austin Seibert (Shanna Lucas), Stephanie Williams (Brandon), Mackenzie Feaster (Justin), Bailey Hill (Shelton), Brett Lankford, Marta Lankford, Nicholas Wallace, Betsy Meyer, Sydney Walling (Rio), Garrett Kaiser (Victoria), Kelby Kaiser and Catherine Kaiser; nine great-grandchildren: Greer, Brynley, Adalyn, Hayes, Finley, Flora, Rio Jr., Roland, and Rosie; mother-in-law, Frances Rathweg; sisters-in-law, Dr. Linda Couch (John Chesser), Shirley Stowe (Dr. Robert Stowe); and his very special nephews and nieces.

  Memorial donations may be made to First Methodist Church Weatherford, 301 S. Main, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

  His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the First Methodist Church Weatherford, located at 301 South Main Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor and celebrate Bernard’s life immediately following the service in the church’s Family Life Center.