Ralph Henry Landon

Family-Placed Death Notice

LANDON, Ralph RALPH HENRY LANDON Ralph Henry Landon died on January 18 2008 in the Druid Hills home in which he had lived for over four decades. His 100th birthday was celebrated on December 20, 2007, with 40 close family members. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Arthur Henry Landon and Nora Turley Landon, and attended grammar school and Tilden Tech High School there. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1928 with a degree in General Engineering. His entire professional career was with AT&T, from which he retired in 1972. He then used his knowledge and experience in communications as a consultant for upgrading the telephone system in El Salvador. The Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, the Druid Hills Civitans Club, the Telephone Pioneers of America, and numerous other organizations have benefitted from his leadership and participation. The Boy Scouts of America recognized his many contributions by presenting him its Silver Beaver Award. An avid student and reader, he was an active member of a neighborhood book club and his love of travel took him to every state in the continental United States, to Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. His 80th birthday was celebrated with a hot air balloon ride and his 90th hiking the ruins of Machu Picchu. Gertrude Leola Rew Landon, his wife of 56 years, died in 1986. His brother James Turley Landon, his daughter Jane Landon Baird, and his grandson William Maiben Beard also preceded him in death. Family members include daughter Sue Landon Beard and son in law Jeff Hixon Beard of Daphne, Alabama, son James Henry Landon of Atlanta, son John Rew Landon and daughter in law Katherine Smith Landon of Burke, Virginia, two nephews, nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. His memorial service will be held at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, 1026 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306, on Saturday January 26 at 2:00 pm with visitation in the church Fellowship Hall following the service. His ashes will be buried next to his wife's in Metropolis, Illinois. Gifts in his memory may be made to the religious or charitable institution of your choice. Express condolences at ajc.com/obits