WHITELAND, IN.
Larry Dean VanLandingham, 70, of Whiteland, IN passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born February 6, 1954, in Indianapolis, IN to Everett Ivan VanLandingham and Marlyn Louise (Richey) VanLandingham. He married Deborah “Debby” L. (Drake) VanLandingham on August 18, 1973, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Franklin, IN.
Larry was a 1972 graduate of Whiteland Community High School where he participated in football and basketball. He continued to play softball and basketball recreationally, during his time in the Air Force, and throughout his adult life.
He proudly served his country as a United States Air Force Veteran stationed in Oscoda, MI, serving from 1976 – 1981. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant in Civil Engineering (Masonry Specialist).
In 1982, alongside his father Everett, Larry joined The International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 34 in Indianapolis and was employed at Otis Elevator as a mechanic for 14 years. He then transitioned into Construction and Modernization Superintendent positions where he was a well-respected leader, colleague, and friend before retiring in 2017. His son Jason, brother Mike, and cousin Tom also followed in his footsteps, all making careers in the elevator industry and a VanLandingham family trade legacy.
Larry was a current member of Stones Crossing Church in Greenwood, IN and former long-time member of Community Congregational Church in Franklin, IN. He enjoyed fishing with his son, Jason. He was a member of the Johnson County Antique Machinery Association, participating in many Johnson County and Indiana State Fair parades with his wife and grandchildren. Larry and Debby were proud and unwavering Whiteland Alumni, always showing their support for the Whiteland community. Although Warriors at heart, they never missed their grandchildren’s school or sporting events even fully embracing their roles as Martinsville Artesian and Center Grove Trojan grandparents. Make no mistake, Larry never missed an opportunity to joke about not looking good in ‘red’.
Larry alongside his wife, Debby, were known for their beautiful residence in Whiteland where they continuously dedicated care and upkeep of the historic house, barns, and beautiful landscaping that were admired daily by the local community and other passersby. They celebrated 50 years of marriage and partnership by renewing their vows in 2023 in Hawaii.
Larry will be dearly missed by all that loved him for his faith, humor, sarcasm, dad jokes, and lightheartedness. His life motto was “don’t sweat the small stuff”. He will be remembered for his love of TV game and talent shows that he recorded daily, his favorite movies like Hoosiers and Wizard of Oz, and his beloved hat collection. Some of his passion projects were following all of his grandchildren on social media, watching his Ring Doorbell, tracing his genealogy back to the 1400s on Ancestory.com, sprucing up his hot rods and fishing boat, helping his daughter Amy with her “to do” lists, and most importantly perfecting their 5-acre estate’s manicured lawn by mowing no less than every 5 days.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Deborah “Debby” L. (Drake) VanLandingham of Whiteland, IN, his children Larry “Jason” (Shana) VanLandingham of Martinsville and Amy Bright of Bargersville. He was a dedicated and faithful husband and father who left a strong family legacy.
Larry took great pride in being a loving and doting Papaw to his 10 surviving grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, including Haleigh (Evan Spears), Ashlyn, and Jana VanLandingham; Tycen, Owen, and Lincoln Bright; Fletcher Wood, Kelsie (Charlie) &Camilla Smith, Elizabeth (Caleb) &Ivory Mason, and Wilson Snipes.
He was the best big brother to his surviving siblings, Tamara Smith (Derek) of Greenwood, Linda Werden (Randy) of Dale, Tonya Sims (Jeff) of Fairland, and Michael VanLandingham of Whiteland.
Other survivors include an uncle, Ronald VanLandingham (Sherry) of Welcome, NC, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews whom all adored him.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Pastor Scott Luck will conduct a service on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 10am at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com./obituary/larryvanlandingham. Friends may call Monday, June 17, 2024 from 4pm until 8pm at the mortuary and Tuesday from 9am until service time. Burial with military honors will be conducted by the Greenwood &New Whiteland Honor Guard and the United States Air Force Honor Guard at Gardens at Olive Branch Cemetery in Greenwood, IN following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network, 1920 West 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 or at www.ecan.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
