Charles Leon Land at 96 years of age passed away at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis County, Missouri on January 16, 2025.
“Leon” as he was affectionately known, was a wonderful son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He loved his family and loved dancing. His talents in life were refinishing floors and making others laugh. Leon was the son of Albert Clifton (AC) Land and Gertude “Josie” Land born on February 23, 1928. Charles lived in Leasburg, Missouri as a young child then moved to Ferguson, Missouri, and later in life, he lived in Charleston, Missouri. He graduated from Ferguson High School in 1946 and then served in the United States Army at the end of World War II from 1946 to 1948. After returning from service, he worked along his father and siblings in the flooring business of AC Land Flooring Company. Charles then went into his own business of Floors by C. Leon Land as the flooring contractor until 2013 as consultant to other flooring contractors. He was 32-degree Freemason of the Scottish Rite Lodge No 542 in Ferguson and Charleston Lodge 407, Missouri for over sixty years, and a member of the Moolah Shrine of St. Louis Missouri for over forty years. Leon was also a member of the 1310 Carpenters Union, Sons of the American Revolution, and a member of the United Methodist Church. During his retirement years he lived in Charleston, Missouri were he was active in the community before his move to the Veteran’s Home. He was known at the Veteran’s Home for his active lifestyle, feeding the birds, taking care of his plants, dancing during Big Band Concerts, and having a fun time with other residents and staff. His smile, laughter, and fun will be greatly missed.
Leon was preceded in death by his loving wife, June Jones Land, with whom he was married to for 49 years before her passing. In addition, Leon was proceeded in death by his parents Albert Clifton Land and Josie Goodale Land, his brothers, (William Land, Albert Land, Eulis Land, Leslie Land, Haskell Land, and Ernie Land Cole) his sisters (Edith Hamlin and Opal Jonas). He has over 77 nieces and nephews with many more great nieces and nephews.
Leon is survived by his daughter, Noel Land-Roeder, and son-in-law, Michael Roeder, with two grandchildren, Nathaniel Roeder, and Allison Roeder.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Road Tuesday, January 21 from 4-7pm. Funeral on Wednesday, January 22, at 10:30am. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital – St. Louis and Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders of St. Louis.
I worked in the Jefferson County Juvenile Office for several years with Mr. Land’s daughter, Noel. She inherited several of Mr. Land’s fine qualities, it was a pleasure working with her. My prayers and condolences are submitted for the family.
May God embrace your family and you during this time with his loving arms. If you need anything, Noel, you know I am just a call away.
leon and i worked together for a while. i learned a lot about floors from him. a lot more about life tho. i’m going to miss you “old dude” you were a true friend.
I knew Leon as he was an old high school chum of my parents, and they always kept in touch. Condolences from our family.
Mr. Land was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Florissant Veterans Parade in November of 2024. He was so happy and excited to participate and be honored. We were grateful for the opportunity to have enjoyed his company and honored him and his service to our nation.
Lucia Greer, Commander, Veterans Coalition of Greater St Louis
The Florissant Valley Memorial Post 444 – American Legion Family is deeply sorry for your loss. While praying with you for comfort and peace during this difficult period, we also express our thanks for the life, Mr. Land lead in service to our nation in the United States Army—that we may all be free. We also express thanks for his many years of civic leadership in our community to the betterment of us all. No doubt his great qualities will live on in his family, and his service will never be forgotten.
Larry Davidson, Chaplain, Florissant Valley Memorial Post 444 – American Legion