Race R. Landon

BURTON – Race Ryan Landon, age 17, passed away due to an accident on Friday, August 16, 2024. Race was born on July 25, 2007, to Lacey Brinkman and Nick Landon. He was one of seven babies born at Grant Regional Health Center that day.

Race didn’t have a traditional upbringing but he was raised by a village and surrounded by love.

Race was starting his senior year at Cassville High School and recently enlisted in the Army, planning to leave for basic training after high school graduation in May. His dream was to be an Army Ranger and he was going to continue his education with the aspirations of becoming an attorney. While in high school, Race was involved in track, band, choir, solo ensemble, and business club. He was class treasurer, vice president of the student council, and a member of the National Honor Society. Race especially enjoyed entertaining others, which was clear with his involvement as anchor for the CSD News, starring roles in CHS theater productions, and Forensics where he was awarded gold at state with a perfect score for his Moments in History speech.

In the face of challenges, Race was brave and fiercely independent. He was an old soul and friendly young man. He never met a stranger and could talk for hours about history. Race was very intelligent, with a quirky sense of humor and quick wit. He had a vast and unique array of interests for someone his age including history, music, theater, astronomy, and war strategy. Race’s faith was strong, and he was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Burton.

Race is survived by his parents; grandparents Carol Brinkman and Mark and Donna Landon; great grandmother Ruby Landon; sisters Lynea and Aurora and brother Bentley; aunts and uncles Jodi (Scott) Berndt, Jeff (Denise) Weber, Jaci (Chuck) Reynolds, Jerrett (Krista) Weber, Melissa (Andy) McCauley, Amanda (Chad) Digman. He was very close to his cousins Natalya, Codi, Alexa, Delanie, Kamryn, Marissa, Lilyann, Madalyn, Lukas, Kaden, Kenzie, Kolton, Serena, Evelina, Allison, Aubrey, and Molly; his godparents Nick Simpson, Nicole Reuter, and Army Ranger mentor Brent Kase. He leaves behind many friends, classmates, and the community of Cassville.

He was preceded in death by grandfather, Gary Brinkman; great grandparents Virgil Landon, Richard and Betty Retallick, Pete and Eileen Brinkman, and great aunt Diane Landon.

Wake services will be Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster. Private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a Race Landon Memorial Fund has been established.

Race will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, our favorite “Nerd.”