Obituary from Osawatomie Graphic, Jan. 2, 2002:

Eldon Watt Landers, 85, lifelong Osawatomie resident, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2002 at Miami County Medical Center in Paola. He was born May 15, 1917 in Osawatomie, the son of Robert Franklin and Ruby Watt Landers. He grew up in Osawatomie and attended local schools, graduating in 1936 from Osawatomie High School.

Mr. Landers began a career with the Missouri Pacific Railroad four days after his 15th birthday and continued until his retirement in 1981. He worked with the road gang and in the roundhouse and the yards. He became a brakeman on his 21st birthday in 1938. He served with the U.S.Army from December 1941 until be honorably discharged Aug. 1, 1945. Part of his military service was spent overseas during World War II.

He and Thelma Dorene Ferguson Young were married May 1, 1937 in Paola, They made their home in Osawatomie. His memberships included the First Christian Church, John Hinkle Post No. 204 of the American Legion and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 921, all of Osawatomie, and Royal Neighbors. He also had been a member of the Masons. Preceding him in death were a son, Charles Eldon Landers, a sister and two brothers. Survivors include his wife, Thelma Landers of the home; a daughter, Shirley Whitaker of Stover, Mo.; two stepsons, Lester Young of Abilene, Kan., and Larry Young of Osawatomie; a sister, Bertha Kitchen of Osawatomie; three stepgrandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Services were Saturday at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie. Pallbearers were Larry Young, Jr., Ron Hohenstein, Eldon McDowell, Curtis Gibson, Steve Penshon, and Ernest Jones. Military services were conducted at the graveside at the Osawatomie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice of charity.