Dates
Jack McCorkle Landers passed away on July 26, 2015 at 89 years of age. He was a sixth generation Texan, with grandfathers holding Mexican land grants. His Grandfather, Richard Sparks, organized one of the first Baptist churches in Texas. Jack was born on March 27, 1926 to Jess C. and Marguerite McCorkle in Calliham, Texas. Marguerite died of pneumonia when Jack was 11 years of age and Jess moved the family to San Angelo, Texas where Jack was a lifetime resident. Jess later married Vera Beasley, a much loved step-mother. The Landers family joined First Baptist Church of San Angelo, where Jack was a member for 78 years.
Jack attended San Angelo High School and was a member of the 1943 state championship football team. He was the last surviving member of that team. He missed his high school graduation ceremony because of WWII US Navy boot camp. After his service in the Navy, he attended Southern Methodist University. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated in 1951. Later he was recalled to service by the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. An extremely gifted athlete, Jack played fast pitch softball on the US Air Force team and was a pitcher for his semi-pro San Angelo softball league.
On June 22, 1952, Jack married the love of his life, Jane Campbell, in Nixon, Texas and the couple settled in San Angelo. Jack joined the family business, Landers Automotive Supplies, with his father and brother, Jess Jr. Landers Automotive Supplies expanded to 12 stores in San Angelo, Midland-Odessa and Abilene under his leadership with son John. The family enjoys hearing great stories from the many employees who worked at Landers throughout the years. Jack retired and sold the business in 1998.
While a business owner in San Angelo, he was involved in numerous civic and community organizations and was a proud member of the Downtown Lions club for over 50 years. He was President, Lion of the Year and a Lifetime member. He also was a founder of the Lions Club Rodeo concession and was honored by the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association with an honorary lifetime membership. For many years he was a member of the award winning Downtown Lions Club bowling team. Jack was also Chairman of the Board of Directors for the West Texas Therapy Center which is now West Texas Rehabilitation Center.
Golf was one of Jacks favorite sports and he enjoyed many rounds at the San Angelo Country Club. He hit several "hole in one's" and an annual highlight for him was playing in the SACC partnership tournament.
During his retirement, Jack loved to travel with Jane, he continued playing golf, and maintained a beautiful yard. He often built useful items in his backyard using his creative engineering skills. He also spent many summers at the family lake house in McQueeney, Texas. Jack and Jane were blessed with 63 years of marriage and family memories.
He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Jess C. and Marguerite , Step-Mother Vera, Brother Brooks and Brother Jess Jr. Also Custodial daughter, Carolyn Kimbro McNatt and son-in law, Paul Kolb.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Campbell Landers, Son, John Campbell Landers, and wife Stacey and favorite granddaughter, Lucy of Corpus Christi. Also daughter, Susan Landers Kolb of Ruidoso. Also, custodial daughter, Ann Kimbro Snow and husband Ron. Also Brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Campbell and wife Mary. He was loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation is Friday, July 31, 2015 at Johnsons Funeral Home from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 11 am at First Baptist Church San Angelo with Dr. James Hassell officiating. Burial will be held on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 10 am in Nixon, Texas. Pallbearers for the service are: Jack Couch, Jess Harris, Bill Holmes, Jake Landers, Dennis Little, Richard Mayer, Bradley Miles, Danny Nunez, Layton Palmerton and Buddy Peel and Ron Snow.
Memorials in honor of Mr. Landers may be sent to Meals for the Elderly or First Baptist Church San Angelo building fund or your charity of choice.