M.H. ‘Jack’ Landis
M. H. “Jack” Landis, 89, a former resident of rural Vienna, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at 4:55 p.m. at the Veterans Affairs Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Marion.
Jack was born Sept. 20, 1921, in Makanda. He was the son of James M. Landis and May (Phillips) Landis.
Jack was united in marriage to Ruth Knight on April 9, 1950 in Piggott, Ark. She survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Connie June and Gary Sommer of Grand Chain; two grandchildren, Lacey Kate and Jeff Wright, Landon Blake and Lindsey Sommer; a great-granddaughter, Riley June Wright; three sisters, Leota Manus of Anna, Onida Davis of Anna and Ann Strickland of Port Allen, La.; and two brothers, Floyd Landis of Anna and Leonard Landis of Anna.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Landis; and two sisters, Gladys Yancey and Edna Vines.
Jack was a U.S. Army veteran. He served as a staff sergeant in the 354th Infantry in the European Theater of Operation during World War II.
He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church near New Columbia.
Jack was a retired commercial and residential carpenter. He had also worked as a blacksmith.
Jack enjoyed auto mechanic work, farming, working with iron and playing the harmonica.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, Dec. 31, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.
Burial was in the McGinnis Cemetery in Union County. Military graveside rites were accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the Illinois Burial Honors Detail.
Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105-1905.