Earl C. Land, Jr.

Earl C. Land, Jr., age 77 of Xenia, passed away Monday November 15, 2021 at the Kettering Medical Center.  He was born February 20, 1944 in Cincinnati, the son of the late Earl C. Land, Sr. and Ruby (Riddle) Heger. 

First and foremost, Earl was a Christian who loved and served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, most of his life.  Earl served his country during Vietnam in the US Army and later joined the US Air Force; and followed with employment as a machinist at General Motors, retiring in 1999 after 32 years of service.  Earl was an active member of his church, Daysprings Ministries, where he served as an usher.  He also enjoyed many years in freemasonry as a member of Michael L. Finnell Lodge No. 711 F&AM, serving in all leadership positions in the Lodge and was a Knights of the York Cross of Honor recipient.  Earl also took an active role in youth programs including the Order of DeMolay, where he received the Legion of Honor award, was a Rainbow Advisor, and leader/mentor roles with the Boy Scouts of America and the Royal Rangers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Land; and two sisters, Patricia Biggs and Carol Duffy.  Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Donna; two children, Apryl Taylor of Xenia, Joshua (Arina) Land of Sugarcreek Twp.; five grandchildren, Madeleine, Lucia, Juliana, Aribelle, Elizabeth; niece/daughter, Rosa (Levi) Hock; a sister, Rebecca Pape; two brothers, Paul Land, Pete Land; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, and many friends.

Services will be held on Monday November 22, 2021 at AHOP (A House of Prayer) Church, 282 Stelton Rd., Xenia, starting with a Masonic service at 12:00 noon followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Ken Day.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until the start of services.  Burial with military honors will follow at the Valleyview Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Daysprings Ministries, 3182 Rodenbeck Dr., Beavercreek, OH 45432. Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn.  

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