Peter Louis Land

Peter Louis Land, age 89 years, lost his struggle with leukemia and died peacefully on August 22, 2019 at his home in Dayton, OH with his devoted wife, Kathy, and daughters, Jennifer and Debora, at his side and after many messages of love from family and friends. He was born November 20, 1929 in Leasburg, MO to Helen Coulson Land and Ronald Martin Land.

Peter Lou met Kathleen Jo Wysong when working with her father, Elwood. After this introduction, Peter Lou pursued her with serious intentions. They were married  April 9, 1966. They had three daughters, Stephanie Marie born November 8, 1967, Jennifer Suzanne born November 23, 1968 and Debora Durrette born June 8, 1973. These three beautiful little girls brought  much love and laughter to the household as did multiple puppy dogs and birds. Kathy's art was evident everywhere and she generously shared pieces of her work.

As a young boy, Peter Lou labored alongside his father and brother, Haley. Soon he was teaching his siblings and his mother  how to drive. He worked for the United States Geological Service after which he joined the Navy. He was a radio instructor and remained stateside. He went on to attend the University of Missouri where he received his Doctorate  in Physics and continued  with a Fellowship in Sweden.

Helping others by doing or by teaching was a natural part of him. He might teach one to make their bed and others how to stand on their heads or to walk on stilts. He could laugh so hard that you wondered if he would take another breath. He was loving and practical.

January 1,1971, Peter Lou underwent surgery to have one of his kidneys removed and placed into his sister, Dorothy, a diabetic with kidney failure. This surgery saved her life and she lived almost 27 additional years with his kidney.

While attending the university, Peter Lou worked for a building contractor and he decided one day he would build a house similar to one he favored. In 1978, he and Kathy bought some wooded acreage and with the help of family and friends they built their lovely home in a park like setting. Here their family and friends were always welcome.

Peter Lou chose a career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH, working with crystals; this he loved and his efforts  won him many awards. After retirement he continued to meet with some of his former co-workers  and physicists to discuss the current challenges in their field of study. They did not always agree but they all had "fun".

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Wysong), two daughters, Jennifer and Debora, one brother, Donald and wife, Aiko, three sisters, Lois Land, Joyce Bishop and Shirley Dillon, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Stephanie Marie, his parents: Helen Land and Martin Land,two brothers  Haley and William, two sisters, Lillian and Dorothy, his in-laws, Josephine and Elwood Wysong; Russell Dawson, Joseph Bishop, Donald Dillon, Richard Marsh,many  aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

A memorial service will be held in Dayton, OH at a later date.