Willis Owen "Buddy" Landers Jr.

Willis Owen Landers, Jr., known to most as "Buddy" and lovingly called "Pop" by his children and grandchildren, took his last breath at 11:08 pm on Sunday, August 24th, 2025. After years of living with pain and cancer, his final moments were peaceful, pain-free, and surrounded by family. Buddy has gone on to heaven to be reunited with his wife, Susan; his parents, Willis Owen Sr. and Lila Jean; his dear friend, Jack; and his beloved grandfather and favorite person, "Daddy Floyd" Martin. He is survived by his five children: Colby and his wife Amy; Laura Cole; Leann Wills and her husband Richard; Rachel Cole; and Skyler Landers. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren he treasured: Caitlin, Macy, Garrett, Noland, Emerson, Oliver, Leland, Parker, Esme, and Emma. He is also survived by his brother, Monty Landers and his wife Linda, and his sister, Debra DuCharme and her husband Frenchie. Born on June 19, 1948, in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy lived a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to family and friends. A master plumber, he found joy not only in his craft but also in teaching the trade to others. He retired in 2005 from West Texas A&M University, where he managed the campus boiler plant for many years. Buddy also proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was stationed aboard the USS Durham and carried his service with honor throughout his life. As a family man, Buddy preferred the simple things in life. He wasn't interested in wearing a suit or driving a fancy car. He was happiest in a loose-fitting shirt, comfortable shoes, and behind the wheel of a reliable pickup. He loved a good chicken fried steak or hamburger over anything fancy. What he did care about was laughing, swapping stories, and spending time with the people he loved. And of course, Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream. Outside of work, Buddy brought that same curiosity and dedication to his hobbies. He loved fishing, especially crafting his own poles and carefully pairing them with the right reel. Golf often frustrated him, but he valued the time it gave him with his dad, brother, son, and friends. What he enjoyed more than the game itself was making and fitting clubs, and many family and friends still play with clubs Buddy built for them, a legacy of his craftsmanship and generosity. He also had fun playing slot machines and planning his next casino trip. Buddy loved music, and his favorites ranged from Don Williams, Ray Price, and John Denver to Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, and the Eagles. He often said his favorite song was Blue Eyes Cryin in the Rain by Willie Nelson. Later in life, he also found joy in gospel music, especially the Bill Gaither Trio. He also had a special love for eagles, whether it was their symbol of freedom or patriotism that drew him in. Over the years he collected pictures, figurines, and small statues of eagles, and they became a favorite gift for family to give him, something we all knew would bring him joy. Although Buddy grew up in Lubbock, he spent much of his childhood playing with cousins in New Home, Texas. He often spoke of the fun they had together, and one memory he especially enjoyed sharing was swinging with his cousin Rhonda and singing "Que Sera, Sera." He loved all of his cousins and cherished the time they shared growing up. Faith was a guiding force in Buddy's life, especially in his later years. Though he did not have a church home, he read the Bible often and leaned deeply on his belief in God. His faith gave him strength, comfort, and hope, and it remained at the center of his heart until the end. Buddy will be remembered as a loving man, a loyal friend, and someone who worked hard, played hard, laughed often, and trusted God with his life. And to those who called him "Pop," he was a good dad and an even better grandad. He will be remembered for his open arms, steady guidance, and the way he made each child and grandchild feel fully his. Whether by birth, marriage, or adoption, Buddy never made a distinction. He simply loved them all as his own. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center, https://give.covenanthealth.org/?pk_vid=88a3e6a2164cc0be17563914164c92b9.