Lieutenant Colonel Charles “Chuck” M. Landis, USA (Ret), age 93, died 16 March 2018 in San Antonio, TX. He was born March 4, 1925 in York, PA to Martin and Imogene Lowe Landis. He graduated from York High School in 1942 and entered active duty as an Aviation Cadet April 1943. On July 3, 1944, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Corps for duty as a navigator. He flew twenty-two missions with the Eighth Air Force in a B-17 over Germany during the winter of 1944-45.
In early 1949, Landis was transferred to the Army Finance Corps. While assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska, he met Leatrice Williams, a civil service secretary to the post commander. They were married in August 1952 in her hometown of Anna, IL. They were the proud parents of Deborah, Nancy, and Greg.
Ft. Sill, OK was the Landis’ honeymoon station, followed by a succession of locations such as New Cumberland General Depot,PA; Edgewood Arsenal, MD; and White Sands Missile Range, NM during his nearly 33 years military service. The family had the opportunity to live overseas in Turkey, Korea, Hawaii and Belgium. They were able to enjoy traveling in Europe, Asia, and visit the Holy Land.
Landis served on active duty during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), and Meritorious Service Medal. He earned a BA degree from San Francisco State College, CA in 1963 and took post graduate studies in Business Administration at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM.
Following retirement from active duty in 1975, Landis worked out of Santa Fe, NM, as a bank examiner for the State of New Mexico for nine years. As an active church member, in 1988 Landis was ordained as a deacon. In 1989, he and his wife moved to the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, TX.
While living at the ARC, Leatrice and Chuck enjoyed cruising. Landis enjoyed over 50 cruises in all parts of the world. After he lost his bride to cancer, he continued to cruise always with a pocket full of cigars to enjoy.
Landis is survived by his children Deborah and Nancy. Deborah and Daniel Wehrle live near Orlando, FL. Nancy Landis and Doug Sneathen live in Las Vegas, NV. Landis has four grandchildren, Hope Wehrle living in Orlando, FL; Shawn Wehrle married to Brianne stationed in Okinawa; Patrick Wehrle married to Andrea living in Orlando, FL; and Brent Landis living in Visalia, CA. Landis has one great grandchild, Abigail Wehrle. Landis’ son, Gregory, was a retired Naval Aviator and passed away a few years ago in Las Vegas, NV.
Landis will be buried with his beloved wife in Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery on Tuesday, April 10 at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cancer research, Heart research or charity of your choice.
