Tim L. Landis
Tim L. Landis, 66, of Chatham, passed away at 6:46 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in his home.
Tim was born Nov. 19, 1951, in Anna, the son of Floyd and Ann Childers Landis.
He married Debra Chandler on May 2, 1981, in Chariton, Iowa.
At the age of 16, Tim began working as a sports reporter for The Gazette-Democrat in Anna. He also worked for the Anna radio station, WRAJ, as a reporter and a disk jockey.
He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He covered agriculture and Southern Illinois politics for the Southeast Missourian from 1980 to 1982. From 1982 to 1990, he was an assistant Metro Editor and covered politics and government for The Southern Illinoisan with a focus on social justice.
Tim also served as the Statehouse Bureau Chief for the Gannett News Service from 1990 to 1994. He was the business editor for The Rockford Register Star in 1994 until he came back to Springfield in 1995, when he joined The State Journal-Register as a legal affairs reporter.
In 1996, Tim became the business editor for the SJ-R. He helped establish the SJ-R Newspaper Guild to advocate for improved salaries and benefits for the journalists. Throughout his more than 50 years in journalism, Tim won numerous awards, including honors from the Illinois Press Association and the Associated Press.
Tim was a member of the Historic Grace Lutheran Church, where he lovingly supported the food pantry. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and a member of the Ultimate St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club.
When he was younger, Tim sang and played drums in several bands and most recently played drums at Historic Grace Lutheran Church. He especially loved to read, as well as spend time outdoors hiking, swimming, running, and visiting the ocean. Above all, Tim was dedicated to his family.
Tim is survived by his wife, Debra Landis of Chatham; his parents, Floyd and Ann Landis of Anna; a son, Matt (Ellie) Landis and granddaughter Adaline of Kent, Wash.; a daughter Kelsey (Jason Weaver) Landis of St. Louis; and several cousins. He had a beloved dog, Chandler.
Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center in Springfield prior to ceremonies.
A Celebration of Life was held at noon Saturday, Jan. 6, at Historic Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield, with the Rev. Thomas B. Christell Jr. officiating.
Burial will follow at a later date at Ebenezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek.
Memorials can be made to the Historic Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 714 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield, Ill. 62701; the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, Ill. 62702; or to the Illinois Press Association Foundation, 900 Community Dr., Springfield, Ill. 62703.
Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.
Visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.