John Land

John H. Land Jr., 91, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Saturday, October 2, 1920, in Pierce City, Missouri, the son of John Land, Sr. and Rachel (Sheets) Land. He departed this life at 10:10 a.m. on Friday, August 10, 2012, at the Missouri Veterans Home, St. James, Missouri.

On October 21, 1941, he was united in marriage to Harriet Henley in Neosho, Missouri. John and Harriet lived and raised their family in the Pleasant Hill area and were married for 55 years before she preceded him in death on January 7, 1996.

As a member of the "Greatest Generation" John lived his childhood during the Great Depression era, then served in the Army Air Corps overseas during World War II, as a radio operator in several different theaters. After WWII, John was employed for 35 years by the U.S. Postal service, and also worked as a part-time farmer. In his 35 years of service as a rural mail carrier, working 6 days a week, he never missed a day, due to illness! After his retirement from the Post Office, John continued farming until he was nearly 86 years old.

He was a Life Member and former Commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #3118, a member of the American Legion Newton Dudley Post #53, and a 50 year member of Jewel Lodge #480 A.F. & A.M.

John spent a lifetime working to provide for his family, thinking of them first, and himself second. "CHEERFUL IN ALL WEATHERS, NEVER SHIRKED A TASK. SPLENDID BEHAVIOR"!

He was also preceded in death by three brothers Gerald Land, Sr., Donald Land, and James Land; four sisters Thelma Foote, Mary Burr, Mildred Lightfoot, and Ruth Ketchum.

He is survived by three sons Don Land of Pleasant Hill, Gene Land and wife Michelle of Greenwood, and Chris Land of Pleasant Hill; five grandchildren Ryan Land of Kansas City, Sean Land and wife Elena of Lee's Summit, Preston Land and wife Akeisha of Lee's Summit, Deanne Land, of Lee's Summit and Jackie Land of Lee's Summit; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 20, 2012, at the funeral home. Reverend Mark Turnbough of the Liberty United Methodist Church officiated. The Final Salute Ceremony was provided by members of VFW Post #3118. Graveside military services and interment followed in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Don Land, Gene Land, Chris Land, Gerald Land, Jr., Ryan Land, Sean Land, and Preston Land. Military services were performed by the Pleasant Hill VFW Post #3118 Honor Guard.

Visitation was held prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the VFW Post #3118-Veterans Welfare Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.