Les M. Landau, D.O.

Les was born on February 12, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri to Marcus B. and M. Jeanne Roberts Landau. The oldest of three children, Les grew up in Overland Park, Kansas and graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School (‘74). An adventurous young man, Les developed a love for the outdoors and obtained his scuba certification, passions he would share with his family throughout his lifetime. He competed as a gymnast in high school and college and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout on October 29, 1972, from Troop 276 in Leawood, Kansas.

Les attended the University of Kansas prior to completing his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Health Sciences of Kansas City (now Kansas City University). Les attended medical school on a Navy Physician Scholarship and served as an officer and surgeon at several naval hospitals, including two years in Okinawa Japan, where he also found time to earn his black belt in Sei-Do-Kan Karate.

After completing his Navy service, Les’ multifaceted career was anchored by his practice as a general surgeon and trauma surgeon throughout Kansas and Missouri. He also contributed to his field outside of the clinical setting, serving on local and national committees. Les was a proud member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons for which he served as president in 2008. Les was a faculty member of Kansas City University and of A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he taught medical students and residents. He also traveled to Honduras and Tanzania on multiple medical missions.

As an Eagle Scout, Les was proud of his four sons who also achieved the rank of Eagle. He was a scout leader and took his boys on multiple high adventure trips including Philmont, Double H, scuba diving expeditions, and countless campouts including summers at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation where he was an honorary warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

An avid outdoorsman, Les enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends, sons, and grandchildren. Les particularly enjoyed duck hunting. He served on the board for Waterfowl USA and was a long-time supporter of Ducks Unlimited.

Les was a steadfast defender of the Second Amendment and an accomplished marksman. He promoted gun safety and responsible gun ownership as a firearms instructor for the Association of Professional Trainers (APT). Les also served his community through a lifelong involvement in law enforcement, starting with the Overland Park Police Department and later serving as Deputy Sheriff of the Adair and Clark county Sheriff’s Departments, and most recently Captain at the Claycomo Police Department.

Another of Les’ passions was aviation; he first learned to fly planes in high school and later became a licensed helicopter pilot and enjoyed flying with family and friends.

Les was a member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, and through his multiple professions, passions, and faith, spent his life sharing God’s love through service to his friends, family and community.

Les was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived, missed, and loved by his four sons: Luke Landau and three daughters - Clara, Reagan, and Emmalyn of Overland Park, KS; Mike and Nicole Landau and two daughters - Elizabeth and Lena of Castle Rock, CO; Dr. Andrew and Analia Landau of Honolulu, HI; Kyle and Dr. Barcleigh Landau and three children - Chapman, Harper, and Fletcher of San Angelo, TX; his sisters: Dr. Leanne Kasitz (Rodney) and family of Louisburg, Kansas; Ruth Vano (Judge Jim Vano) and family of Overland Park, Kansas; and Sheila Isom and daughters, Paige and Alix and fiancé, Trey.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Fallen Outdoors and/or International Health Partners

A visitation for Les will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A funeral service will occur Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home.