J. Dale Landis

J. Dale Landis, 90, of Lititz, died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Landis Homes Retirement Community, surrounded by his family . Born in Lititz, he was the son of the late Ira D. and Mabel Book Landis. Dale was the loving husband of Erma V. Martin Landis and they observed their 65th wedding anniversary on April 28th of this year. Dale farmed the family farm in Manheim Township until the age of 50. He also worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier in the Lititz area for many years. He enjoyed his real estate job, specializing in selling farms throughout the counties of central Pennsylvania. He was also employed at Fulton Bank as a bank courier until age 87. He was a member of Word of Life Mennonite Fellowship, Lititz, where he was known as the candy man because he faithfully shared candy to all the children. Dale enjoyed visiting and talking with everyone he met. He had a generous heart, and enjoyed giving to church and charities.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Erma, are four daughters: Jean wife of Wally Yordy of Ashley, MI., Josie Swartzentruber of Mt. Vernon, OH., Jackie wife of Carl Sands of Lititz, Janice wife of Floyd Martin, of Womelsdorf, a son, J. Dale Jr., husband of Catherine Landis of Ephrata, a son-in-law, Dwight Herr of Manheim, 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and a sister, Rachel Stahl of Lititz. Preceding him in death were a daughter, Joyce Herr, a son-in-law, Earl Swartzentruber Jr., a great-granddaughter, Naomi Breitzman and two sisters: Lois Miller, and Faith Landis.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dale’s funeral service at the Millport Mennonite Church, 820 Log Cabin Road, Leola, on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10:30 AM. There will be a viewing at the Landis Homes WEST BETHANY CHAPEL, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, on Friday, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There will be additional viewing at the Millport Mennonite Church on Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. Those desiring may send contributions in Dale’s memory to: Olive Branch Mennonite Missions, 87 Mountain Road, Denver, PA 17517 or Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.