Published: October 27, 2009 10:54 pm      

Andrew I. “Gump” Landis [Keyser]

KEYSER, W.Va. — Andrew I. “Gump” Landis, 88, of Old Orchard Drive, Keyser, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at his residence.

Born on May 18, 1921, at Luke, Md., he was a son of the late George William Landis and Floda (Heavner) Landis Bucklew. He also was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean (Pratt) Landis on Aug. 18, 2004; a son, Michael Eugene Landis; a grandson, Rick Landis; a brother, George W. Landis Jr.; and two sisters, an infant, Virginia Susan Landis and Thelma Bennett.

Mr. Landis was retired as a brakeman and signalman with the Chessie System Railroad. Very proud of his military service, Mr. Landis served two enlistments in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper and demolitions expert. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Protestant by faith, he was a life member of both Nancy Hanks Post 2518, V.F.W., Keyser, and Kelly-Mansfield Post 52, American Legion in Piedmont. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and was a life member of the National Rifle Association and the North American Hunting Club. Mr. Landis held the distinction of being elected and serving as the last constable in Mineral County.

Surviving are two daughters, Faye P. Buehrer of LaMarque, Texas, and Donna Landis Leighton of Keyser; two sons, Richard Landis of Severn, Md., and Thomas Landis of Towson, Md.; one brother, Calvin "Nick" Landis of McCoole, Md.; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a large extended family.

Friends may call at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Joseph Eversole and the Rev. Ernest Lee Poland Jr. officiating.

Interment will be in the Potomac Memorial Gardens, Keyser, where graveside military honors will be accorded.

The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Michael Landis Scholarship Fund, c/o the WVU Foundation, Potomac State College, Keyser, WV 26726.

Condolences and personal reflections to the family may be left after Mr. Landis’ obituary at smithfuneralhomes.net