John Landrum Jr.

John W. Landrum Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - John Wesley Landrum Jr. departed his earthly life Sept. 9, 2008. Born in Mount Airy, N.C., he was reared in Kingsport, Tenn., the son of the late John Wesley Landrum and Jettie Collins Landrum. Subject to being drafted, John joined the U.S. Navy to see the world. He flew the Berlin Airlift, served in Europe for 12 years, served at the Pentagon in the office of the CNO and assisted in establishing the first U.S. Naval Communication Station in Greece. Having served 20 years, he retired as a chief petty officer in 1964. In 1960, he married Patty Ruth Lambert. They loved to travel and made many trips around the United States, Mexico and Canada. Following his military service, John worked for the Philco Corp. as a systems engineer, followed by employment with the Naval Ship Engineering Command from which he retired in 1982. John was a member of Coleman Place Presbyterian Church, where he had served as a deacon, an elder and with his wife Patty, as the adult advisors of the Pioneer Youth Fellowship for three years. Raised a Master Mason in Atlantic Lodge No. 2 AF&AM, he served as Worshipful Master in 1993 and in 2000. Subsequently, he became an officer and/or a member of the following Masonic bodies: John Walters Royal Arch Chapter No. 68, High Priest, Grand Representative of Wisconsin in Virginia for Royal Arch Masons and as District Deputy Grand High Priest, then transferred his membership to Princess Anne Royal Arch Chapter No. 1607, Norfolk Scottish Rite Bodies, president of Jessie A. White Council No. 110 of AMD, charter member and High Priest of Virginia Research Royal Arch Chapter No. 17S3, Commonwealth York Rite College No. 50 and King Darius Council No. 17, Knight Masons of the U.S. of America. John served as worthy patron of Virginia Chapter No. 22, Order of the Eastern Star in 1980-St and 2003-04. John was a charter member of the Norfolk County Crays, Camp No. 1549, Sons of Confederate Veterans. John is survived by his wife, Patty; a half sister, Charlotte Landrum; a sister-in-law, Dot Landrum; a brother-in-law, Charlie Lambert and his wife Betty; four nieces; six great-nieces and three great-nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and James. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. A funeral with Masonic rites will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Fred R. Archer officiating. A burial with military honors will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Coleman Place Presbyterian Church, 1513 Sewells Point Road, Norfolk, VA 23502. A quiet, unassuming person, his gentle humor and loyalty will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace my beloved.