Jerry Edward Vanlandingham passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Zenda on August 6, 2022. Born in Kingman, Kansas on October 2, 1939 to Palmer “Dick” Vanlandingham and Sylvia Ione Torrance Vanlandingham.
In 1947 Dick and Ione moved their growing family from a farm North of Spivey to the “Home Place” South of Spivey. Jerry attended Grade School in Spivey, High School in Attica and 2 years at Friends University in Wichita.
In 1960 Jerry married Ruth Ann Graber from Zenda and together they raised their 3 children, Moira, Roger and Lisa on the home place. Jerry enjoyed being a farmer and rancher and loved the yearly cattle roundups and continued to rope as late as May this year. Together Jerry and Ruth Ann instilled their work ethic and their love for the ranch life in their children.
In 1987 Jerry and Ruth moved from the ranch to Zenda to help Ruth Ann’s aging parents operate the Zenda Telephone Company. Jerry took over the phone sales, repairs and was instrumental in assisting with the expanding the growing cell phone business. Jerry also assisted Ruth and her folks open the Lumberyard Restaurant and Supper Club in 1993.
Jerry loved to operate all types of dirt earth moving equipment and maintained the Chikaskia Township roads for over 38 years. There wasn’t a piece of equipment that he couldn’t run or repair.
Jerry’s non-stop energy and commitment to the community lead him to being the Mayor of Zenda for 30 years and Zenda Fire Chief for 37 years.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Vanlandingham, Daughters Moira (Mike) Brenneman and Lisa (Ralph) Lilja and Son, Roger (Mary) Vanlandingham. Grandchildren: Lauren Greenberg, Sarah Vanlandingham and Carl and Margaret (Maggie) Lilja. Preceding him in death were his parents Dick and Ione and brothers Don, Bruce and Joe.
A Graveside service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 13, at Nichols Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman.