Larry Mike Landers

Larry 'Mike' Landers, 61, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at his home in Abilene of complications from lung cancer. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the funeral home. Mike was born to LaVern (Blackburn) and Eldon Landers on July 22, 1947, in Abilene, Texas. He graduated from Cooper High School in 1966. He was a member of FFA and Taylor County 4-H Club. He attended Tarleton State University for one year and Texas A & M University for three years. He worked as a Teamster for Santa Fe Trailways, Texas & Pacific Motor Freight, retiring from Consolidated Freightways in 2003. After retiring he spent 16 months traveling back and forth between Abilene and Little Elm, where he delighted in caring for and nurturing his grandson, Chase, during the week. After that, he enjoyed his retirement in Abilene by becoming a member of the Audobon Society, attaining Texas Master Naturalist and Texas Master Gardener certificates, and becoming a member of the Potosi Volunteer Fire Department. He was a lifetime member of Elmdale Baptist Church, which was established in part by his great-grandparents, Tom and Mattie Antilley. Mike was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved nature and farming. Throughout his 14-month battle with cancer, he always had a positive, go-get-'em attitude and outlook. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Eldon Landers (2000), sister, Jan Landers (2001), and neice, Katie Landers (2005). He is survived by his fiancée, Chris Ratcliff, mother, LaVern Blackburn Landers, both of Abilene, daughter, Michelle Taylor and husband Chad of Little Elm, son, Michael Landers and wife Angie of Garland, two brothers, Ray Landers and wife Donna of Springfield, VA, and Ralph Landers and wife Debra, of Abilene. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Chase, Emily, Michaela, and Tori. Mike leaves a legacy of devotion, laughter, and cherished memories to his family and friends. Words cannot express the emptiness we will forever feel in his absence. We take great comfort in knowing that he is no longer struggling and is now rejoicing in heaven. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elmdale Baptist Church, 233 S. Elmdale Rd., Abilene, TX 79602.