Obituary for Ralph E Landon
Ralph Landon was born in Anderson Missouri on May 3, 1932 to William and Ruby (Nutting) Landon. Ralph was raised north of Southwest City, Missouri on a 100-acre farm with his sisters Mary (d), Wanda (d) and Delora (d) and brothers Buford (d), Bill, Harmon and Carl Lee. He spent summers working with his brothers on the family farm or in wheat farms in Kansas and Washington. After graduation from Southwest City High, he moved to Joplin, Missouri where he met Mary Anna McKarnin. He joined the Marine Corp in 1952 and wed Mary Anna in January 1953.
Ralph and Mary have two daughters, Debbie Rice and Becky Thiellen, and three sons, Grant Landon, David Landon (d) and Wayne Landon. They also have 10 grandchildren; Rachel Landon, Peter Landon, Shannon Landon, Stuart Landon, Eric Rice, David Rice, Tyler Rice, Troy Rice, Casey Conley, Alison Campbell and seven great grandchildren; Ayden Rice, James Landon, Reeve Landon, Olivia Landon, Kade Conley, Campbell Conley and Jayden McAninch.
Ralph's passions were many, yet always focused on family. He loved family vacations, camping, hunting and fishing. He also was an avid and accomplished nature photographer, pilot and marksman. On September 13, 1975, Ralph set a world record in bench-rest rifle competition with the smallest 5 shot group and 100 yards, 0.027 inches, a record that still stands today. He also had a love of animals, especially bird dogs. Ralph also found opportunities to lead and assist in his community. He was one of the founders of the Tulsa Bench-rest Association, and did what he could to assist in spreading the sport of bench-rest shooting wherever he went. He loved to assist with projects around his church, whether it was in construction or helping feed those in need. In his work life, he was always focused on doing quality work and doing is safely. He became a leader in his local union and ultimately a union organizer. Ralph was known by family and friends as helpful, considerate, joyous and caring.
Ralph and Mary have two daughters, Debbie Rice and Becky Thiellen, and three sons, Grant Landon, David Landon (d) and Wayne Landon. They also have 10 grandchildren; Rachel Landon, Peter Landon, Shannon Landon, Stuart Landon, Eric Rice, David Rice, Tyler Rice, Troy Rice, Casey Conley, Alison Campbell and seven great grandchildren; Ayden Rice, James Landon, Reeve Landon, Olivia Landon, Kade Conley, Campbell Conley and Jayden McAninch.
Ralph's passions were many, yet always focused on family. He loved family vacations, camping, hunting and fishing. He also was an avid and accomplished nature photographer, pilot and marksman. On September 13, 1975, Ralph set a world record in bench-rest rifle competition with the smallest 5 shot group and 100 yards, 0.027 inches, a record that still stands today. He also had a love of animals, especially bird dogs. Ralph also found opportunities to lead and assist in his community. He was one of the founders of the Tulsa Bench-rest Association, and did what he could to assist in spreading the sport of bench-rest shooting wherever he went. He loved to assist with projects around his church, whether it was in construction or helping feed those in need. In his work life, he was always focused on doing quality work and doing is safely. He became a leader in his local union and ultimately a union organizer. Ralph was known by family and friends as helpful, considerate, joyous and caring.