Landon Medley
October 6, 1949 - September 25, 2021
Whether you knew him personally or not, Landon Medley was a friend to all of us who are interested in researching and studying the history of our Daniel Haston family. Landon lived near the Daniel Haston family place and was steeped in a knowledge of local history–events, places, and people. Some of the Haston-history articles you have read on the Daniel Haston Family Association blog were enriched by input from Landon.
Landon was my go-to source for questions about Van Buren County, TN history. He and I worked on many research projects, including some that will now be put on hold. For example, we were planning for an upcoming Zoom meeting to discuss the history of Van Buren County. Landon was going to be our guest expert for that online session.
Landon Medley will be GREATLY missed by many of us who relied heavily on him for leadership and expertise related to the history of Van Buren and surrounding counties.
Obituary
Landon Darl Medley was born on October 6, 1949, to the late Jessie Lee “Dick” Medley and Dorthay Marie (Hale) Medley. He passed from life on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at St Thomas Midtown in Nashville after a short illness.
Landon was a lifelong resident of Van Buren County and a 1968 graduate of Van Buren High School. Landon retired from Mallory Controls in Sparta TN after more than 30 years of service.
In addition to his parents, Landon was preceded in death sister Martha Christine Whitworth and brother-in-law Lee “Wally” Martin Landon is survived by four sisters: Rosa “Bonnie” Buttrum (Walter) of Sparta, TN, Maggie Mills (Jim) of Spencer, TN, Wanda Martin of Spencer TN, and Judy Brown (Tommy) of Sparta, TN. He is also survived by brother-in-law Caroll McDonald of Doyle TN. Although he did not have any children of his own, Landon was active in the lives of his nieces and nephews: Christi Whitworth, Jessie Buttrum, Jamie Mills Saucier, Thomas Whitworth, Rachel Martin Scarlett, Jerry Buttrum, Edward Martin, Stephanie Clark, Kim Clark Kinnaird, and Katelyn Brown Boysel. And his great-nieces and nephews: Private Noah Sliger United States Army, Andrew Whitworth, Kensley Saucier, Amelia Scarlett, Landon Buttrum, Kathryn Scarlett, Hannah Kinnaird, Lennox Buttrum, Will Whitworth, Michael “Bill” Kinnaird, and Cadence Buttrum. Landon is also survived by Aunts and Uncle: Shella Forsythe (Don) of Sparta, TN, Gail Anderson of Sparta, TN, and Landon C Hale Jr. of Spencer, TN. Several cousins and friends also survive.
Landon dedicated his life to the preservation of history and the environment. He served as Van Buren County Historian for many years. Landon has written several books and journals about the History of Van Buren County. Landon was a founding member of the Van Buren Historical and Heritage Museum. He was always willing to assist anyone with research on their family tree and could recall most details from memory. Landon fought for the environment and the preservation of Fall Creek Falls State Park. He was a founding member of the Friends of Fall Creek Falls and served as president of Save Our Cumberland Mountains.
Landon was also a painter, primitive art designer, and avid fan of the St Louis Cardinals baseball team.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Van Buren County History and Heritage Museum 179 College St. Spencer, TN 38585
