Jeffry Erle Landrum

1939 - 2021

Dr. Jeffry Erle Landrum, 81, of Bristol, Indiana, passed away on Aug. 25, 2021, at North Woods Village at Edison Lakes, in Mishawaka, after a long battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Jeff began life in Marion, Indiana, on Dec. 21, 1939. He was the son of the late Ralph Landrum Sr. and Dorothy (Hamilton) Landrum. Jeff graduated in 1956 from Marion High School and contemplated playing professional baseball before ultimately deciding to attend Indiana University. He graduated from Indiana University in 1959 and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He entered the IU School of Dentistry where he graduated in 1964. He went on to serve his residency at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital from 1964 until 1967. Dr. Landrum opened his practice in 1968 and served the community for 27 years with Dr. Wil Boren as an oral surgeon with Landrum and Boren DDS.

He was previously married to Dina Eclkelbarger Borneman, in which they had their five boys, Todd, Matt, Brent, Jason and Adam. After their divorce, Jeff and Judy Sorg Pletcher married on Jan. 16, 1983. Judy's daughters, Jamie Engen and Leslie Ianigro joined the other five boys to form a new family. Jeff and Judy built their dream home in Bristol, Indiana, which is still the current Landrum residence.

Jeff retired from full-time oral surgery at the age of 57. Shortly after his retirement, Jeff ran for the office of Elkhart County Coroner. He was elected in 2000 and was the first doctor to hold the position in many years. His goal was to elevate the office of coroner through a higher standard of professionalism. Jeff's professional demeanor and decorum were a calming presence to all over the years he served. His mission was to face the truth of death and educate the public to avoid needless deaths. He served as the coroner for six years.

Jeff was a big Indiana Hoosier basketball fan and longtime IU football season ticket holder. He loved watching and attending games with friends and family.

This exceptional oral surgeon, public servant and loving family man is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy D. Landrum; five sons and their families, Todd (Tish) Landrum of Evergreen, Colorado, Matthew (Anne) Landrum of Marietta, Georgia, Brent (Andrea) Landrum of Reading, Pennsylvania, Jason (Lisa) Landrum of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Adam (Shely) Landrum of Greenville, South Carolina; two daughters Jamie Engen of Bristol, Indiana, Lesley (Jamie) Ianigro of Carmel, Indiana; and 18 loving grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ralph "Bud" Landrum Jr., as well as two sisters, Jane Iams and Willahemina "Willie" Addis.

In accordance with Jeff's wishes, cremation was chosen. His final resting place will be at his favorite skiing location in Colorado. Shortly after Jeff's death, the family held a family and friends' gathering in celebration of Jeff's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Indiana University School of Dentistry or a charity of choice in Jeff's honor.

Online condolences may be made at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.