Chester “Chet” Landes of Lake Tapawingo, Missouri passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 22, 2023. He was born on February 7, 1931, to Milo and Elizabeth Landes in Kansas City, Missouri.
Chet was united in marriage to Barbara Landes on August 21, 1954, in Linn, Missouri. Chet graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in Theater, Language Arts and Education. He completed his graduate work at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He started his teaching career at Higginsville High School. Next, he taught at Raytown High School and then St. Mary’s High School in Independence. Chet Retired from Center High School, District #58 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Chet was a member of the First United Church of Blue Springs. He was also a member of Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity at the University of Central Missouri. Chet was on the Board of Directors at Lake Tapawingo. He was the Committee Chair of Boy Scout Troop 295 in Independence. He was also an Assistant Scout Master and Committee Member of Troop 763, in Blue Springs. Chet loved golfing, was an avid reader, loved boating, skiing, and all water sports, as well as snow skiing.
Chet loved everything about theater and was an extraordinary director. He put on major productions in schools, community theatres, and on other main stages in the Kansas City area. Some of his productions include Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, Oklahoma! And Solid Gold Cadillac. Chet Looked forward to Christmas time. Every year, with his family and friends, he looked forward to going out into the woods to find the perfect live tree, cut it down, and bring home for the holiday. He enjoyed hosting Christmas brunches and patio parties. Above all, Chet loved his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and Grandchildren. Spoiling and loving his grandchildren was his greatest passion. That love was always reciprocated back to him.
Chet is survived by his wife: Barbara, his son: Mark Landes and his wife Jennifer and his grandchildren Parker Landes, Callahan Landes, Rory Landes, and Molly Landes. He is preceded in death by his parents Milo and Elizabeth Landes.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. In Lieu of Flowers, the family has asked for memorial Contributions to be made to the Faith Forward Campaign at the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Chet and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
He did So much for me. His light has gone out but he will always live in my heart. See you later Chet!
God bless this wonderful man! He was my drama teacher at Center!! Made a difference in my life! RIP Mr Landes!
Mr. Landes was absolutely one of my favorite teachers. He taught me to look at life in a “dramatic “ way which has influenced so much of my life. RIP
Cindy LINK Rudolph
Center class 1972
Mr. Landes was the teacher that taught me so much about life in general. He was dramatic, funny, and cared about his teaching. He was someone that made a difference . I’m sure he will be waiting for us all.
Pam Bledsoe Johnson (class of 1970)
Does anyone remember the sign in his podium in the classroom? Help me out if I don’t have it quite right:
I know you think you heard what I said.
But you have to remember that what you understood is not necessarily what I meant.
So True! And so perfect for someone who lead us through performing the spoken word.
Unforgettable. Teacher, mentor…and man. So loved and so respected by oh, so many. Thank you, Chet! We carry you with us.
Gary Neal Johnson
CHS ’68
What a wonderful man! Some of my favorite childhood memories involved the Landes family at Lake Tapawingo. All my love to Barbara and Mark.
He was demanding and caring. One of the best and most memorable teachers I ever had. I learned much more than drama from him.
Condolences to his family.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
CHS 1971
I had him as a teacher. He was a good man. I’m very sorry to hear about his passing. May his family and friends find comfort during this difficult time. Steve Samuels CHS Class of ‘71
We will miss Chet so much in our family. I loved hanging with Mark and Chet while we worked on home improvement, seeing him at the holidays with family and watching him with his grandchildren. I would have loved to observe his classroom in his teaching days — I am sure that he was a funny, firm and kind guide for his students. We will miss you, Chet. And for Barb, Mark, Jen and the kids . . . we are here for you in this tough time.
He made drama fun! Class of 1976.
Mr Landes made a lifelong impact on me as my teacher at Center High School, class of 1972. He challenged us to think, grow and express ourselves and always had positive faith in each student’s ability. He will live forever in our hearts.
Jeri Stewart(Goede) ‘72
Wonderful memories of theater productions with Mr. Landes at Center High School. He was a challenging director with high standards. I still use many theater skills I learned during those years as a teacher today. I also remember his pipe, minivan and Players 58 outings at the lake.
Denise Ellenberg (Kaufman)
CHS ‘79
May you rest in peace. You were a light that will live in a special place in my heart. May his memory be a blessing.
I loved Mr. Landes so much and have so many fond memories of this man. He formed my early years in drama and I am so very grateful for his existence. I wish I had kept up with him and it is a lesson in telling your influences how much they mean to you. :,(. RIP Chet. <3
Fond memories of Mr. Landes, my drama teacher ‘67. He was so kind, passionate and great role model for his students. RIP 🙏
Mr. Landes assisted in my love of theater. I remember all the plays I worked on with him with very fond memories.
My heart goes out to his family and thank you for sharing him with our school.
Mr. Landes was a great teacher! I took Composition class from him and learned a lot. I also played the trumpet in the “Pit Band” for the CHS musical production “Guys and Dolls” which he directed. Looking in retrospect, all of his classes had a “college feel” to them, not regular high school. I’m sure he influenced in a good way, many students at CHS. RIP sir!! Joe Mosby CHS 72.
I was glad to visit with him a couple of years ago when I worked for Lake Tapawingo Police Department! A great teacher and mentor. A great influence on my life!
CHS 87
Chet Landes was a great person! When I first arrived to Center HS in the middle of the year 1971, as a brand new teacher, he was one who reached out to welcome me. I loved his kindness and laughter and will always remember his smile. May he Rest In Peace……
Loving support to his family and friends. I remember him as Mr. Landes, and he was my favorite high school teacher. He made drama class not only a learning opportunity but a fun one as well. Great example for teaching professionals.
Joyce Logan
CHS ’71
I am, forever, grateful for his kindness, guidance, advice and friendship.
Truly a gifted educator and gentleman, Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
Michael Glennon
Center High School ’67
Mr. Landes, I guess you more than earned your rest, but seriously the world would be a much better place if you could have just stayed in it forever. You and Barbara are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for helping me to grow up. I will never forget you.
Mr. Landes had all 4 of the Goodson in his class. Start with Steve in the 60’s Tersa and Pam in the 70’s and my self in 81. We had a lot of great talks and he bought a ton of Explore’s from me when I managed Metro Ford in Independence and came To Lawrence and got one when I moved. Mr. Landes had this way of getting me to calm me down long enough to have some great conversation and memories. Rip Sir
Chet,
You did a lot more teaching than at CHS. As a Scout leader with Troop 763 as part of the “Over The Hill Gang”, you were part of a larger group of men well-respected and admired by the Scouts you led, and the other leaders you worked with.
I so hoped for even the remotest possibility for your presence in Lone Bear Council Ring in June, I will be lifting you up as I watch your grandson and my son enter the circle…
Blessings Barbara, Mark, Jenn, Landes grandkids, Buddy, Rosie, and all who loved you. You are missed, but the memory of your presence, cherished….
Mr. Landes shaped the person that I am. During HS, most teens have absorbed much of what we are going to get from our parents and are looking beyond for inspiration. He was so different from my parents. He was disciplined and tough. He had high expectations. He said what he meant, and meant what he said. He followed through.
I worked by his side as his Production Assistant from my Sophomore to Senior year … and what a gift that was for me! And what an honor it was to play Adelaide in ‘Guys and Dolls’ my senior year.
Mr. Landes was my role model. He challenged, inspired and shaped me to be the human that I am. He taught me discipline, accountability and how to get a group of people to rally around an outcome that will be meaningful to all.
Mr. Landes, I am SO GRATEFUL for you!
Rest in Peace … with gratitude and all of the love in my heart, glenda
I would like to make a contribution to his church in his honor.
My hope & prayer is that the positive lifelong impact Mr . Landes had on so many Center Senior High drama students is a wonderful comfort to his family. His creative style always brought out the best in his students. I feel it was a real privilege to have to have been involved w/ his musicals, drama’s & children’s plays. May all of his family have God’s comfort. Rest in Peace , Mr. Landes
Barbara – The Video tribute to Chet says it – a life well lived. My condolences to you and yours.
God bless us everyone. Carolyn Hackley Pittsenbarger
Mr. Landes, I played minor parts in Center HS productions- roles in the chorus , stage crew . I admit though I looked at you in awe and respect. I absolutely loved being a part of the productions. Those were highlights of my HS years. Thank you for such great experiences.
Mr. Landes gave me the opportunity to be in every play during high school. Those were some crazy fun parts, too; A mammoth crawling around the stage (The Skin of Our Teeth, 67). A wacked-out teen standing on her bed screaming (The Crucible, 68). An old English lady (Mrs. Eynsford-Hill, My Fair Lady, 68). I now realize he was the only director I’d work with honest enough to tell me my audition stunk, but in a way that made me end up laughing! I ended up as a cardboard sheep! (A Thurber Carnival, 69). When he cast me as Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz, 69) he, thankfully, could visualize beyond the usual girl wearing braids. My final show, (Once Upon a Mattress, 69) an un-wed mother to be! Mr. Landes, thank you for the 3-year ride of a lifetime. I’m so grateful for your wisdom, patience, kindness, trust, and the many ways you went beyond the call of a teacher’s paycheck. My thanks to his beautiful wife, Barbara, for the many nights our productions kept him at school late. Mr. Landes left a wonderful legacy for his students, the many organizations in which he participated, and his family. I know for the time I have left on this planet; I will always honor you, and your memory will be a blessing.
Chet Landes was a wonderful teacher. I did speech and drama with him at Raytown High School and did lots of theater in my life, Both here and abroad.
Dr. Michael Raynor
Raytown High School, Class of 1960
As Mr. Landes, he was my wonderful director and teacher. I learned so much from his theater knowledge, about characterization and preparation. I worked with him on all the productions from 1965 to 1968. Most of my high school life revolved around Mr. Landes’ shows and our drama contest work.
As Chet, he was my favorite colleague and friend on the CHS faculty. It was an honor to teach with him.
My condolences to the Landes family.
I was a fellow teacher with with Chet for many years. The plays that were always top notch with the aim of educating adolescents striving to understand and find their way into an adult world.
I especially remember a production that was the trial o John Scopes in 1925. He was a science teacher who taught his students the theory of evolution. Tennessee law of the time forbid such teaching. Chet introduced his students to the issue of academic freedom, and searching for truth, which is relevant today.
Chet was a brave and dedicated drama teacher.
What a loss. “Uncle Chet” was one of the most memorable teachers I ever had the pleasure of knowing, even though I only took one of his classes at Center and then was fortunate enough to be a part of some of his productions. Loved his dedication, his guidance, his wonderfully dry sense of humor – and his sense of style. He was always the consummate teacher. My condolences to his family.
Barbara,
I was so sorry to hear of Chet’s passing. Please know that I will be keeping you and family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, prayers & hugs,
Martha
So few teachers, and yes mentors, are as memorable as Chester Landes was. Yet after many years I still remember him fondly and uniquely as perhaps the ONE teacher, director and mentor who affected me the MOST.
I remember him fondly and think of him often.
I hope he knew just how much he meant to the legion of students whose lives he molded in such a positive way.
CHS Class of ’74