Larry Seabrook Landis

Larry Seabrook Landis lived a life defined by intellect, purpose, and love — a life that balanced professional accomplishment with a deep commitment to family, faith, and friendship.

Born on November 2, 1945, in Princeton, New Jersey, to Donald Edward Landis and Caroline “Sally” Magalhaes Landis. Larry entered the world just weeks after the end of World War II and his father was still serving in the Army stationed in Kansas.

They soon moved to Goshen, Indiana, where Larry grew up with his two younger sisters Carolyn and Pam. He developed lifelong friendships that would endure for more than 70 years. As a boy, he loved visiting his Magalhaes grandparents’ farm in New Jersey and spent time with his Aunt Peg, a renowned biology professor at Bucknell University, and worked in her genetics lab. Even as a child, Larry’s curiosity about the world and his gift for observation were unmistakable.

A proud graduate of Goshen High School (Class of 1963), Larry was known for his joy of learning. He played trumpet in the band, joined the science and math clubs, and wrote a student column called The Tattered Briefcase — named after the weathered case he carried everywhere. The column reflected his early fascination with writing and public discourse — themes that would carry throughout his life.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Larry attended Wabash College, where he attended on a full-ride academic scholarship and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics, graduating cum laude in 1967. He was also a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He later began doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before answering a brief call to service in the Army.

Larry’s career reflected both his intellect and his passion for public service. He began by working in Indiana politics, working on campaigns for figures such as Bill Ruckelshaus, Bill Salin, and Virginia Blankenbaker. He went on to become the first paid staff member for Richard Lugar’s Indianapolis mayoral campaign, then joining a young mayor’s team that would go on to shape Indiana’s civic and political landscape for decades.

After his years in politics, Larry embarked on a successful 30 year career in marketing, advertising and communications, holding leadership roles with several firms and with American Fletcher National Bank. Eventually, he launched two of his own companies — Marketrends and American Grassroots.

Larry returned to public service later in life, serving 11 years on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, appointed three times by two governors, Frank O’Bannon and Mitch Daniels. He was deeply respected for his intellect, fairness, and forward-looking vision during a time of immense technological change. His work on national broadband policy through the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) helped lay the foundation for providing universal access to the digital infrastructure that connects our world today.

Even with his professional accomplishments, Larry would say his greatest joy and most enduring accomplishment was his family. While working at the advertising agency Garrison, Jasper, Rose & Company, he met a bright and talented young colleague named Carol Butz. He was instantly smitten — so much so that he later joked he was struck speechless when he first saw her. They married on September 28, 1974, at Epworth Methodist Church in Indianapolis and went on to share 50 years of marriage, building a life full of generosity, faith, and purpose.

Larry and Carol raised one son, Christopher (Heather) Landis, and together they cherished their three granddaughters — Lauren, Anna, and Emily. — who brought such light to Larry’s life. He rarely missed a performance, recital, or school event, often beaming from the audience and telling anyone who would listen about their accomplishments. He loved family dinners, Thanksgiving trips to Indiana’s state parks, and long weekends at Lake Tippecanoe.

Faith was a steady force in Larry’s life. A longtime member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, he and Carol were active in the Christian Endeavors couples’ group and developed lifelong friendships there. In later years, Larry found special fulfillment as a Disciple Bible Study teacher, where his thoughtfulness and insight touched many. His teaching notes were so impactful that they have been preserved in the archives at Roberts Park United Methodist Church.

Larry was a man of wide interests and enduring passions — an amateur film producer and critic, coin collector, photographer, lover of history and politics, and faithful patron of live music. His community involvement was wide and varied and he contributed his time and treasure to many organizations such as the Indiana Historical Society, Heartland Film Festival, Wabash College, Indiana 211, the Amputee Coalition and Citizen’s Action Coalition and many candidates for various political offices.

He faced decades of medical challenges with resilience and grace, never losing his humor, curiosity, or drive. To the end, he remained a student of the world — always learning, always connecting. His life’s work was, at its core, about telling stories, serving others and helping them find meaning, impact, and common purpose.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Sally Landis, his beloved wife Carol, his in-laws Paul and Louise Butz, his brother-in-law Bruce Butz, and his niece Susan Butz. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, his three cherished granddaughters, his sisters Pam (Gary) Bollier and Carolyn (Rick) Guipe, and his nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 12:00–2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. It will be held in Robertson Chapel and officiated by Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes. The service will be streamed online from the church’s website for those that can’t make it in person. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner Buchanan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wabash College, the Indiana Historical Society, Heartland Film and St. Lukes Methodist Church.