Joseph L. Landers

Joseph L. "Joe" Landers, Sr., 71, of Parsons, passed away the evening of Monday, August 15, 2022, at Labette Health.

Joseph Larry Landers was born on August 25, 1950, to James Phillip and Stella Julia (Zilko) Landers in Parsons, Kansas.  He grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating from Parsons High School in 1968.

In 1969, Joe entered the United States Army, serving in Vietnam for one year in army security.  On December 23, 1971, Joe and Debra J. "Debbie" Pape were united in marriage in Oswego, Kansas.  Following marriage, Joe began a 37 year career as a cable repairman with Southwestern Bell Telephone in Parsons, retiring in 2008.  While working, Joe also earned two associates degrees from Labette Community College.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.

His greatest joy came from spending time with his family.  One of the most important things in his life was his faith.  Joe was a history buff and enjoyed compiling family genealogy.  Working in his yard was also a favorite pastime.

Survivors include:

His wife – Debbie, of the home

One son – Joe Landers, Jr. and his wife, Starla, of Columbia, Missouri

One daughter – Heather Chele Landers of Parsons, Kansas

Three grandchildren – Kaitlyn Elizabeth Landers, Nathaniel Joseph Landers, and Julia Claire Landers

Two sisters – Teresa Brady and her husband, Mike of Colbert, Oklahoma

Laura Hansen of Grove, Oklahoma

Numerous nieces and nephews, including niece, Sandy Misener and her husband, David

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Charles Landers; and two sisters, Mary Coy and Barbara Shea.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 19, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors presented by the Brown-Bishop VFW Post 704.  The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.