Walter Raymond Landes

Walter Raymond Landes, a long-time resident of Monmouth Oregon, peacefully passed away into the arms of angels. He was a life-long member of Masons and a devout Christian who has left a trail of specially selected Bibles to those who crossed his life's path. He was a man of prayer, quiet faith and humble spirit.

Walter was born in Fremont, Ohio, as Walter Raymond (Meijer) Meyers; the sixth of ten children. After his mother passed he was adopted by William and Maude Landes at age fourteen. He leaves behind his wife, Jane, of nearly 66 years who cared for him at home throughout a long illness. His children Sally Von Brandenfels (Martin), Susan Gartland, Walter Landes (Laura) and Charlie Landes (Christi) were all with him during his passing. Rita Scholtz, a special niece, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, friends and extended family will rejoice that he lived but miss him dearly.

After several business ventures in Oregon he joined Operating Engineer's Union working primarily in the far north. In the 1950's he called his wife and four young children to join him on the adventure that bonded our family; homesteading a forty-two acre section on the Kenai River. Braving frigid temperatures in austere conditions we learned patience, tolerance, and the art of dressing in multiple layers. Throughout the years, living between Oregon and Alaska, we built wonderful memories of this very special man. From early ages we learned to fix what was broken - some of us with more success than our siblings. A strong work ethic from all of us was demanded and helping those less fortunate was expected. When his sons graduated from high school he secured positions for them working along his side in the wilds of Alaska. We all learned to drive a stick shift long before we were legal to drive and if suffering a cold - peanut butter, onion and honey sandwiches cured the symptoms. He was an excellent listener, offering very few words of advice other than, "pray about it, and follow your heart". He dropped all plans to care for sick grandchildren and showed up, sometimes with uncanny wisdom, as we faced critical decisions even as adults. He loved to putter in his garage and watch westerns; especially Gunsmoke and John Wayne. Second only to God, he loved his family.

Visitation will be 10am to 1pm Friday, November 4th at Farnstrom Mortuary in Independence. Vault interment will also be Friday at 2pm at Fir Crest Cemetery in Monmouth. Celebration of Life will be 11am Saturday November 5th at the Cornerstone Christian Center in Independence.