Paul Wenger Landis, age 92, passed away on February 1, 2018. His life was marked by faithful devotion to God, his work, and his family.
While Paul spent the later half of his life in Indianapolis, he was born in Des Moines, IA on November 19, 1925. Paul, his brother Henry, and his sister Susanna were the children of the late Sylvanus and Mary Landis. Paul served our country as a conscientious objector in the Second World War and was later given the opportunity to attend Iowa State University. He graduated with a degree in Chemistry.
Paul loved to travel, and over the course of several trips to California, he grew close to Pauline Alderfer, who sang in a quartet with his sister. The two married on June 27, 1958 and started a life in Indianapolis. Paul worked for Eli Lilly for over 30 years before retiring, contributing significant discoveries to his department, including several patents. Paul continued to serve his community years after his retirement. Paul and Pauline attended and served at Hope Church for over 5 decades. Paul served as a board member of Central Indiana Child Evangelism Fellowship for more than 40 years. His clear tenor voice and love of music were a hallmark of his life until the very end. On earth, Paul clung to the truth that, “A mighty fortress is our God,” how much more so in Heaven!
Paul is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pauline; his sons, Brian (Gina) and Keith (Lynn) Landis; his six granddaughters, Bethany (Aamod) Samuel, Melody Landis, Jesa Landis, Alissa (Clinton) Brooks, Kayla Hope (Sterling) Banaay, and Carissa Landis; and one great-grandson, Levi Samuel. Paul was the last surviving member of his family’s generation.
A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018 at College Park Castleton, 5825 E. 91st Street, Indianapolis, 46250, with Pastor Dale Shaw officiating. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family desires that donations be made to CEF of Indiana Inc, Central Indiana Chapter, PO Box 625, Westfield, IN 46074 (cefcentralindiana.com/donate).
Sherie Phares says
Pauline,
I am so thankful to have known Paul through his many years of serving on the Child Evangelism Fellowship committee. You both have been a blessing and I appreciate your love of this ministry and the importance of reaching our children with the Good News! Paul will be missed, but I’m so thankful that we do not grieve as those who do not have hope (1 Thes 4:13-14). We are praying for you and your family in your time of loss.
Sherie Phares
Director
CEF of Indiana, Inc.
Central Indiana Chapter
Jacqui Sollenskog says
Dear Landis family,
I am honored to have known Paul and to have spent many years with him at Hope church.
My heart grieves for those of us that will miss him, but my heart rejoices in knowing that he in his eternal home with Jesus.
I am praying for comfort for you all, during this time of loss.
Jacqui Sollenskog
C. Paul Blekking says
Dear Pauline and Landis Family,
I just checked my email and read all of the above. i regret your loss but am sure of the gain of Heaven for Paul Landis. He was a great friend to me and our family. Our wonderful visits with Paul and the family are very special memories. Paul was just one year older than me. It is almost one year since the realtor sold my home on Maple Drive and I moved to Toccoa, Georgia to live with Elaine and Mitch. They have been so very good to me but I miss the many friends in Indianapolis where I lived for more than sixty memorable years. My address here is C. Paul Blekking, 21 Southern Comfort Drive, Toccoa, Georgia, 30577. My phone here is 762-348-9934.
Mike & Judy says
“He that lives and believes in Me will never die.” May the love of Jesus, learned at your father’s side, be as real as your memories of dad and kissed by the grace of God.
Pam musser_ simmons says
Im so sorry for your loss of Uncle Paul. We all loved seeing you both would come visit mom and dad. Mom was so excited to see her brother. Uncle paul. Uncle henry and susanna are together with grandma. And grandpa landis. Please tell Brian and Keith we are so sorry. Love you aunt pauline. Pam mussrr
Dave and Joy Skinner says
Dear Pauline and family ,
Wow! you made it to 60 years of marriage with Paul before he went on home . What a milestone and example in our day and age . We always appreciated you & Paul’s love and encouragement and cheerful service at Hope Church to both Hap and Glady Skinner and then to us Dave and Joy Skinner who serve over here in South Africa and would see you all every 2-3 years or so . Now Dad Skinner is there in Glory to Welcome Paul and Gladys like you still pressing on there in Cairn’s , Australia .
Our prayers are with you as you adjust to life here while Paul has gone on ahead…May you know the comfort of the Holy Spirit and know His purpose for you while you still have life and breath … and we hope to see you this year when we are back in USA for a furlough . In Indy around June .
Love & prayers Dave and Joy Skinner
Bobbe Nixon says
Dear Sweet Pauline, You and Paul have been such a huge example to Dean and I over the years. Your love for Christ has been evident in the way you both treated us and others. Paul’s infectious smile will forever be etched our minds. Please know you and your family are in our prayers as you journey through this time. Thank you for sharing Paul with us! Dean and Bobbe Nixon
Rosemarie Nixon says
During this time of sadness may fond memories sooth your spirit, comfort your soul and bring you peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you in sorrow and remembrance of Paul’s long legendary and gifted life.
Damian and Sally Neeld says
Dear Brian, Gina and family – So sorry for your loss but thankful Paul is a man of God and is now walking on streets of gold. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as I’m sure Paul will be greatly missed. May God give you His peace that surpasses understanding now and in the days ahead.
With love and affection,
Damian and Sally Neeld
Ray D Alderfer says
Dear Aunt Pauline and family,
Though not having spent much time with Uncle Paul I remember him as a quiet, thoughtful but adventurous man. He certainly lived the life expressed in Scripture: Acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss, at the same time recognizing Uncle Paul’s new life we all look forward to.
Our Love,
Ray and Linda Alderfer and family
Pat (Nissly) Sheffey says
Dear Pauline and family,
I read about Paul’s passing while searching for Landis relatives and then wanted to send you note. I hope it will reach you even tho 6 months have passed.
My husband Lynn and I visited you and Paul many years ago when Lynn
Was in medical school in Louisville, KY. that would have been about 50 yrs ago.
I have always had great admiration and love for my Landis aunts, uncles and cousins. Living not too far from Sue and Earl for many years was a blessing.
I hope you remember my family from Upland,CA . Lily (Landis) and Levi Nissly.
We join in praising God for Paul’s life and witness for Christ. We thank God for your life and witness also.
Love,
Pat and Lynn Sheffey
Escondido, CA