John Irving Landon
John Irving Landon
Jan. 12, 1927 ~ May 28, 2016
John Irving Landon passed away Saturday, May 28, 2016 in Llano, Texas at the age of 89.
He was born Jan. 12, 1927 in Menard, Texas to Frankie Eugenia (Poole) and John Newmarch Landon.
After graduation from Menard High School at age 16, John enrolled into the University of Texas at Austin where he was a proud member of the Showband of the Southwest playing the trumpet, a passion he continued throughout his life.
After receiving his undergrad degree, John enrolled in the Navy, during WWII, where he served in the Philippines as an electrician until the end of the war.
After the war, he married his wife of 62 years, Willene Templeton and they returned to UT where John enrolled under the GI Bill into the School of Pharmacy where he earned his degree two years later.
Following graduation, John re-enlisted into the US Air Force where he and Willene were stationed at Reese AFB for the next two years, during the Korean War.
After his discharge, they moved to Hamilton, Texas where he was employed as a pharmacist and then, in 1955 moved to Llano, working for Bruhl’s Drug and shortly thereafter started his own business where he and Willene faithfully served the Llano Community as owners and operators of the Llano Prescription Pharmacy for many years.
Following retirement, John continued as a relief pharmacist, culminating a 50-year career in the profession.
John was blessed with a fantastic intellect and had a variety of interests.
In addition to his love of music, John had become a lover of flying as a teen and continued his passion for flying both as a hobby and also as a licensed instructor, passing along his love of aviation to many Llano residents as a teacher.
He was a talented woodworker and leather worker and loved archery and bow hunting.
John served his adopted home town of Llano in a wide variety of civic and municipal capacities, serving as president of the Llano School Board and the Chamber of Commerce.
He was most proud of his service for 14 years as Mayor of Llano.
John was also a Mason and long time member of the Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church.
He is survived by son Mike Landon and wife Sandy of Dallas; daughters Kim Hughes and husband Jerry of Llano, Jil Freeman and fiancé Ted Felton of Kingsland; grandchildren Scott Bradley and wife Tanya, Travis Ratliff, Hunter Ratliff, Michael Landon, Austin Landon, Jason Freeman and wife Laura, Blake Freeman, and Stephen Freeman; great-grandchildren Noah Bradley, Samantha Bradley, Sydney Bradley, Gia Freeman and Chloe Freeman.
John is preceded in death by his wife Willene Landon; son-in-law Dale Freeman and John’s beloved dog SharLi.
Visitation will be Friday, June 3, 2016 at the Walrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Chapel from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church in Llano, at 2 p.m. followed by a graveside service at the Llano City Cemetery with Reverend Leslie Tomlinson officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Yoder Animal Shelter, 9150 W Ranch Road 1431, Buchanan Dam, Texas, 78609.
Funeral arrangements made under the direction of Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Homes, Inc. Llano.
E-mail condolences may be sent to whhfuneral1@verizon.net.
