Joe Don Landrum
1933 – 2025
Joe D. Landrum, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he had moved in 2023 to be near his daughter.
Joe was born on July 1, 1933, in Fortuna, Missouri, to the late William E. "Ellery" and Annie B. (Eggemann) Landrum.
He married the love of his life, Violet June Paxson, on November 16, 1957.
Joe attended Versailles High School in Versailles, Missouri, where he graduated as valedictorian. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Joe served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. While stationed in Korea, he specialized in interpreting aerial surveillance photographs. Among his many commendations and service medals, one was awarded for helping to identify a downed U.S. pilot behind enemy lines, leading to the pilot's successful rescue.
Following his military service, Joe spent 33 years as an engineer for the Missouri Department of Highway and Transportation (MoDOT), ultimately serving as Director of Soils and Geology.
Joe had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He especially enjoyed quail and pheasant hunting alongside his beloved brittanys and setters. He was an avid reader with a vast private library, and also found joy in fishing, canoeing, camping, and traveling, both abroad with June and throughout the United States to visit historic sites and national parks.
He was a kind, gentle, deeply thoughtful man who devoted his life to his family. While his parents were living, Joe faithfully visited them every weekend, helping with chores on the family farm. He created joyful memories for his children, including tractor rides, rock skipping, garden harvests, and driving lessons.
In retirement, Joe and June traveled far and wide to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and attend sporting events, school plays, and musical performances for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joe was also a strong supporter of the public library, frequently volunteering at book sales and community events.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Cindy Williams (Michael) of Edmond, Oklahoma; son-in-law, John A. Ruth (Jeanne) of Jefferson City, Missouri; grandchildren, John L. Ruth (Kasey) of Jefferson City, Travis Ruth (Monica) of Palmyra, Missouri, Jacob Williams of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Bret Williams of Chicago, Illinois; great-granddaughters, Kinley, Kamdyn, Kylin, and June; great-grandsons, Easton, Maddox, and Thatcher; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, June; his daughter, Michelle Ruth; and his in-laws, Cloyce and Mae Paxson.
Friends and family will be received to remember Joe on Saturday, August 2, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Berry Barn Farms, 6301 Rainbow Drive, Jefferson City, Missouri. A private family committal service and entombment will take place earlier that day at the Columbarium of Riverview Cemetery with the Reverand Jeanie McGowan officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the JC Schools Foundation. Contributions will support the Michelle Ruth Memorial Grant and the district's Special Education Department, which provides wonderful services to Joe's great-granddaughter Kamdyn. Michelle Ruth, Joe's daughter, was a dedicated math teacher for the district.
Donations may be mailed to:
JC Schools Foundation PO Box 2152 Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or made online at: https://www.jcschoolsfoundation.org/checkout/donate
Please note "Joe Landrum" on your donation to ensure it is designated appropriately.