Obituary
David Wilford Landes was born January 24, 1949, in Linton, IN to Wilford and Mary Landes. He finished his trials of this life on February 16, 2025, in Kansas City, MO.
David graduated from Raytown High School in 1967. He began serving in the Marine Corps on January 31, 1968. He served in Vietnam and on board the USS Hornet. While on board, they retrieved the Apollo 11 astronauts on July 24, 1969. One of his tasks was guard duty for the astronauts and Vice-President Richard Nixon.
He married Barbara Ann Waterworth on August 22, 1969. After the wedding, he had to return to his service overseas while Barbara continued nursing school. In 1970 Barbara finished nursing school and they moved to Santa Ana, CA where their daughter, Carrie, was born in 1971. David was discharged from the Corps, and they moved to Raytown, MO. David found it difficult to find a job, so in 1972, he re-joined the Marine Corps and they moved to Mission Viejo, CA. While there, their son, Rob, was born in 1973. In 1975, the family moved to the Memphis, TN area while David was in school. They lived there about 9 months and then moved to Havelock, NC. After 3.5 years, they moved to Alexandria, Egypt where David was in the Marine detachment at the American Consulate. After a year there, they moved to Yuma, AZ. They lived there for 10 years. There were times when David was stationed overseas where his family could not follow. Those places included Okinawa, mainland Japan and various ships at sea. David retired from the Marine Corps in 1989, so in 1990 they moved to Lee’s Summit, MO to be near family. He then worked for the city of Lee’s Summit as a building inspector for several years. David and Barbara both retired at age 62.
Because of all the time he was away, family was very important to David. He enjoyed reunions, holidays and anytime the family would get together.
He and Barbara loved to travel in retirement. They went to Germany, Austria and France. They also thoroughly enjoyed going on cruises. Their favorite place was Alaska where they visited several times.
David obeyed the Gospel in baptism as a teenager. He was active in the church all his life. He was always able to locate a Church of Christ everywhere he went, except in Egypt. While there, they were the church and tried to reach out to others. After moving back to Lee’s Summit, he served as a deacon for the Gregory Blvd Church of Christ.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and his grandson, Brady Landes.
He is survived by his daughter, Carrie Brigham, son, Rob (Maggie) Landes as well as 6 grandchildren: Regan Klug, Jackson Brigham, Camryn Brigham, Ethan Brigham, Caroline Lueg and Garrett Lueg. He is also survived by his sister, Ladeanna Twaddell, his brother, Chad (Pam) Landes and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Condolences
Visitation
Lees Summit, MO 64086
Services
Lees Summit, MO 64086
Dear Family and Friends,
It’s hard to put into words just how much Uncle David meant to me. He wasn’t just an uncle—he was a steady presence, a man of deep integrity, and a true example of strength and kindness. His service to our country, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to family are qualities I have always admired.
Some of my favorite memories with Uncle David are simply the times spent talking, re ting a video game system in the basement during a Christmas. I loved listening to his stories, and witnessing the way he cared so deeply for those around him. No matter where life took him, family was always at the center of his heart. His love, his laughter, and the wisdom he shared will stay with me forever.
Though our hearts are heavy, I find comfort knowing he is reunited with Aunt Barbara and Brady. His legacy lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to know and love him.
Rest easy, Uncle David. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
With love,
Andrew Waldowski
May we all be as dedicated to the Lord as David was in his life.
To all of David’s family,
and if you count his brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus then that’s a big family: We mourn with you and will miss a man who was doing good in the name of the Lord and not wasting time. He voiced his physical body’s inability to do what it used to, but he kept going anyway. His recall of the Civil War was uncanny, and it moved me to study up on it myself. He knew it so well it seems that he could even discern between accurate accounts and someone who was trying to rewrite history. Funny how studying war make you want to avoid it. He probably learned that from the Word of God and all the history lessons that are written for our learning. We know that he never got over his beloved (as well as our) Barbara. They were quit a team! I did some jobs for him, and she was right there side by side with him so that all three of us were “on the same page”. We still miss all those who have gone on before, and now David is another incentive to be with our Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.
God bless and comfort you all.
Glen and Becky Woody
Family- I always admired David for his service for our country and his service for the Lord. I always tried to make a point to see him when I was at Gregory meetings to shake his hand and talk to him as I did with quite a few others.
I’m very sorry for your loss family. He is now at the hands of Jesus enjoying paradise.
Carrie, Rob and family,
My sincere condolences and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I remember your Dad well! He was a Marines Marine for sure! Oh the words before our nights out, Carrie. He and your mom totally embraced Dean and I when we came to LS. They are together again. Xoxo RIP Mr. Landes.
Rob,
It sounds like your dad had a good life and that his family was important to him. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Scott & Lezlie Mann
Such a rich life to celebrate. My thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. We had a very high regard for both David and Barb. They were great examples of Christian values. David was selfless and
generous, and was dedicated to his family. He was a fine role model. He will be missed.