Birth date: Nov 9, 1917 Death date: Aug 16, 2009
DALLAS – Livius Lee Lankford, MD, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon who was a pioneer in hand surgery, died peacefully on August 16, 2009. Livius Lee was born November 9, 1917, in De Valls Bluff, AR to Lucie Lee Jones and the Hon Read Obituary
Dr Langford performed many reconstructive surgeries on my hand in the early 80’s. To this day I still marvel and tell stories of his skills in rebuilding my hand. I still have fond memories of him using his foot to control the voice recorder as he examined progress on my hand. I am literally typing with both hands due to his skills. - David Halcomb
I saw Dr. Lankford in 1988 when my hand was burned with 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns. He treated me for several weeks and you can't even tell that I had those major burns. His advice, care and bedside manner were totally remarkable. I thought of him often but couldn't remember his first name. I finally searched him out by the name of his practice and saw the picture and, yep that's him. Sorry it took me 15 years to do it. He was just the best!! - Christy Trimble
I love you, granddaddy. You're the only one I couldn't bear to disappoint. I miss you all the time.
In the late 1970s, I suffered a freak accident to the right ring finger. The emergency room doctors wanted me to sign a consent to amputate. I refused, and saw Dr. Lankford the following day. He created a new operating procedure to repair finger and invited other doctors to observe the operation while it was being filmed. Dr. Lankford saved my finger and restored 100% use. Everyday when I look at my finger, I think about Dr. Lanford. God bless him and his family.
Dr Lankford saved my husbands foot from being amputated in 1955. In 1964 he brought in Dr Ray Lawson from the Mayo clinic to operate on my 5 year old daughter who was born with a birth defect in her hip and unable to walk. Dr Lankford took care of her in the hospital for 33 days. The surgery was the first of it's kind in Dallas and my daughter was then able to walk. That hip lasted 45 years. She now needs a replacement and I happened to Google Dr Lankford. I am sorry for your loss. He was a great doctor.
Lee was one of our favorite members. From my first days as president of the Council, he provided wonderful enthusiasm and encouragement. Nearly every year, he would invite the staff to the Lakewood Country Club for dinner on Wednesday "meat" night….we always laughed and stuffed ourselves! It was certainly not needed or expected but he said he just wanted the staff of the Council do know how much they were appreciated. Over the last few weeks, I visited Lee a few times. While he received excellent care, he is in a better place now. Despite his discomfort, he maintained that exceptional twinkle in his eye. All of us who knew Lee have have a model of decency and kindness to remember.
Larry…. sorry to hear about the loss of your father…. your old friend… Dallas
Dr. Lankford was the first person to welcome us to the neighborhood when we moved in next door. He shared wonderful stories about the history of the neighborhood – including facts about our new home. Whether we were discussing travel (which we both enjoyed), Shadow-Kitty, his hand collection, or his positive outlook on life and love – we always felt "enriched" by our exchanges. He will remain in our hearts as an example of how we hope to one day be. His kind and gentle soul will be missed. Vicki and Sarah
