Elden Landes, Jr.

Elden Landes, Jr.
1928-2023
Ridgeway, MO: Elden Landes, Jr., age 94 of Ridgeway, MO passed away on April 5, 2023, after a
short time on hospice at a Bethany, MO nursing home. He was born on Flag Day –June 14,
1928, in Harrison County, Missouri to Elden, Sr and Edna Mae (McCorkle) Landes.
He was raised on farms and attended Lorraine and Mahaska country schools north of
Bethany.
Junior served in the U.S. Navy 1951-1955 as an aviation machinist and flight engineer during
the Korean Conflict.
On November 6, 1955, he and Evelyn Jean (Taylor) were united in marriage by Preacher
William “Bill” Smith in the Blue Ridge Christian Union Church. They celebrated 67 years of
marriage.
Junior, Evelyn, and their children David and Gloria worked together on a diversified farming
operation with livestock, dairy, poultry, hay, and grains. Often young visitors enjoyed their
farm as a petting zoo. They hosted many sledding parties, card game nights, and attended
school activities as the kids grew up. Many good memories come from farming as a family with
the help of others along the way. After retiring from the farm in 1993, he and Evelyn moved to
Ridgeway.
He previously served on the Jefferson Township Board, MFA Exchange Board, PCA Advisory
Committee, and other area leadership roles. The family was honored as “Harrison County Farm
Family of the Year” at the Missouri State Fair.
Junior accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 12 at Hazel Valley Church
and was baptized at Brooklyn Falls. He was a member of Morris Chapel Community Church
where he actively served through the years as Teacher, Superintendent, Song Leader, Board
Chairman, and Lay Speaker. His favorite scripture passage was John 14.
Junior enjoyed visiting with family & friends, catching up on the Coffee Club news, and will
be remembered for his contagious laughter and strong faith in God.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Loren (Mary) Landes, Lila (John)
Hendren, Gerald “Ed” (Ermadean) Landes, Wilbur “Brown” (Barbara) Landes, Bobby (Leta)
Landes, Glen D Landes, Margaret Landes, and two infant siblings.
Junior is survived by his wife Evelyn of their home, son David Landes (Peggy Thomsen), and
daughter Gloria Craig, all of Ridgeway. Other survivors include grandchildren (and great-
grandchildren) Matthew & Sydney Craig (Maisyn, born on his 93 rd birthday), Ridgeway; Blade
Landes (Emma and Charlie), Bethany; and Kirk & Jessica Miller (Bradley, Avril, Grayson, Jaxson),
Florida; plus nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, April 12 at Roberson Funeral
Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in Miriam Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will
receive friends from 6:00-7:30 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to
Morris Chapel Community Church in care of the Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 46, Bethany,
MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.