Richard B Landis

Richard Barto Landis, Kutztown, passed away Monday, January 26, 2015 in the inpatient hospice unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. He was the widower of Elinor G. (Winkler) Landis, who died March 6, 2007. They had been married 64 years .

Born and raised in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was a son of the late Edwin C., Sr., and Estella J. (Barto) Landis. He was a member, past consistory president, and elder of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, where he also served as chairman of the building committee for the renovation of the church, and construction of a new Sunday School. Mr. Landis was a United States Navy veteran, having served as Engineering Officer, 1st Lt. for an F4U squadron on the U.S.S. Boxer CV21 during World War II. He was a 1943 graduate of Lafayette College with a degree in engineering. He completed a summer course in aeronautical engineering at California Technological Institute.

Mr. Landis was employed as an engineer by Western Electric (AT&T Technologies) Allentown for 38 years. He served as President of the Kutztown Borough Council for 16 of his 32 years on the council.  He also served as Chairman of the Electric Committee; and promoted obtaining a grant that allowed the Kutztown Park to be enlarged and enhanced. He also promoted construction of the new Borough Hall. Mr. Landis was General Chairman of the Kutztown 175th Anniversary Committee, and served as Chairman of the committee to refurbish the Kutztown Railroad Station. He was a charter member of the Kutztown Youth Athletic Association (KYAA), where he assisted in the construction of the original Little League field and clubhouse in the Kutztown Park. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for Fairview Cemetery, Kutztown, since 1960, and superintendent of the grounds for a number of years. He was instrumental in promoting the refurbishing of the house on the cemetery property and construction of a new garage and office.  Mr. Landis also volunteered his time as an assistant Scoutmaster with the former Kutztown Troop #153. Richard was also an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan.

He is survived by Daughters, Nancy E. (Landis) Heffner, Topton, Jacqueline E. (Landis), wife of Fernando J. Garcia, Kutztown, Dr. Eileen E. Landis-Groom, wife of Richard J. Groom, Prescott, AZ; Sons, William L., husband of Lorraine F. (Francis) Landis, Seipstown, and John R., husband of Martha Sue (Howerter) Landis, Peachtree City, GA; Brother, Edwin Charles Landis, Jr., Bernardsville, NJ.  He is also survived by 11 Grandchildren, Michael, Melissa, Fernando, Leonardo, Ricardo, Erin, Carolyn, Benjamin, Lisa, Jack and Laura; and 18 Great Grandchildren. He was predeceased by Brothers, John William Landis, Paul Edward Landis and Glenn Kenneth Landis .

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 30, 2015 at 2:00 PM from St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 47 South Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, with Reverend John W. Davies officiating.  Interment, with military honors, will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Kutztown.  Relatives and friends may call Friday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the church .

Flowers may be sent or contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 47 South Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, PA  19530 . Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.