Lonnie L. Landers

Lonnie L. Landers passed away on September 30, 2023, from sarcoma cancer which was misdiagnosed for four months despite repeated surgeries on his right arm.

Lonnie was born August 1, 1936, to Luther (from whom he learned hunting skills and trade skills) and to Mary (for whom he cared in her later years until her death at age 100).

Many would probably not consider Lonnie a "choir boy," yet as a boy, he did sing in a church choir. In 1954 he graduated from East High School, where he was recognized for his wood working skills. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard. After his honorable discharge, he worked briefly for Acme and for Sears Home Improvement, where he further honed his trade skills. Lonnie became a "jack of all trades" and master of most.

Lonnie utilized these skills in building and landscaping his home on Firwood in Green. He even built some furniture for his home. His pride and joy were the extensive workshop (man cave) that was outfitted with almost every tool imaginable. When he bought a condo at Seven Stories East, he again set about remodeling and improving his unit. While at Seven Stories, he served on the Board and as president of the HOA.

In 1958 Lonnie joined the Akron Fire Department and served for thirty-one years; he rose through the ranks to become head of the EMS and later District Chief, a position from which he retired in 1989. Lonnie described his tenure on the fire department as the "best job in the world." He not only enjoyed serving the community but especially treasured the camaraderie of the firehouse, friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Lonnie's love of life is evident in his many activities - playing darts, cards, word games, bowling, swimming, boating, water skiing, kayaking, snow skiing (in Europe and the U.S.), riding his motorcycles (especially the BMW), bicycling, working out at the Tallmadge Rec. Center, hiking, fishing, hunting on Jim Miller's farms and biweekly golfing with his buddies. Going to Don Ponchos on Thursdays after golf was their opportunity to re-cap the ups and downs of that day's golfing adventure.

Lonnie also had a creative side - enjoying cooking and grilling. His chili even won awards. Then, there was Lonnie, the artist, who enjoyed painting, going to art shows, and creating something from nothing. One of his most treasured memories was the time he spent with his five grandchildren experimenting with pour painting.

In 2004, he started dating Carol Deeser. They traveled extensively with trips to Florida, California, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Germany, China, Egypt, Greece, Italy, South Africa, Patagonia, Iceland, the Panama Canal, etc. Lonnie especially loved going to Augusta for the Masters and seeing Pebble Beach. Special birthdays were celebrated with a hot air balloon ride, a ride on the Goodyear Blimp, and parties. At home, Lonnie utilized his talents on home improvement projects at Carol's house and watching the deer from her backyard. Bambi was safe here.

Lonnie was a member of the Goodyear Ski Club, the Allenside, the BMW motorcycle group, the American Rifle Association, and the Retired Firefighters Association.

Lonnie was a strong, vigorous man who always had a spring to his step, a twinkle in his blue eyes, a smile on his face, and a joke to tell or a prank to play.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Lori (Sebastian) Ottmann and Julie (Jeff) Danielson, and his five grandchildren, Maya, Tristen, and Jacob Ottmann and Raedi and Brooks Danielson, and his ex-wife Sue. Mourning his loss is his soul mate for almost nineteen years, Carol Deeser. Carol's family - brother Tom (Marie-Ilene) Whitehurst, nephew Thomas, niece Christina (Chris) Ward and their baby Henry, Richard and Amy Stuart - will also miss Lonnie. He leaves behind his golfing buddies (Joe, Ernie, Dave, Tony, Roy, Ronnie, Jack, Jackie, George, Nasser, Tom), his hunting partner, Jim Miller, and high school friend Ginger.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Jennifer (his wound nurse), Pat Caprez, and the Summa Hospice Staff for their compassionate care of Lonnie in his final days

Calling hours for Lonnie will be at the Newcomer Funeral Home on Saturday, October 14, from 11 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. The service, beginning at 1:15p.m., will be followed by the Last Alarm conducted by the Akron Fire Dept.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Akron Firemen's Benevolent Association c/o Akron Firefighters Credit Union, 1810 Buchholzer Blvd., Akron, OH. 44310