George William "Duke" Landis

George William "Duke" Landis, 81, died Dec. 23, 2015 at home surrounded by his family.

Born Oct. 31, 1934 in Akron to Faye and George Landis, Duke graduated from Buchtel High School and Miami University. After graduation he served his country in the U.S. Army. Following that he worked as an accountant at Morse Instrument in Hudson, Kroger Grocery in Pittsburgh, McCrory, McLellan and Green stores in New York City then York, PA. He found his life time job at The House of LaRose and retired after 36 years as the Chief Financial Officer. He enjoyed golf and loved playing at Fairlawn Country Club and Eagle Creek in Naples, FL. Duke loved football and played semi pro while in the Army and later refereed high school and college games. He enjoyed watching football until his death. He volunteered with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for several years at St. Sebastian and volunteered with Junior Achievement and coached Bath Girls Fast Pitch softball. Duke also served on the Boards of Austin Printing and Fairlawn Country Club.

His greatest joy was his family. He is survived by loving wife, Diane; children, Sherry (Mark) Farley, Scott Landis, Carole (Jerry) Klimo and Jennifer (Alberto) Whitney; grandchildren, Jessica, Jonathan, Joslin, Juleah, Jimmy, Katie, Kasey, Kelly and Maddie; great granddaughter, Magnolia; and beloved dog, Bella.

Duke wanted to personally thank all his health care workers especially Dr. Raymond Bermea.

A memorial mass will be held 11 a.m. Monday at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., Akron 44333. Private inurnment at Moore's Chapel Cemetery. Friends may call 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)