Thomas I. Landress, age 87 of Sanford, Florida, passed away on March 13, 2021. Thomas was born on May 14, 1933 in Frostproof, Florida, the son of Ira G. and Mary Ann Gertrude (Calloway) Landress. He was married to Barbara W. ( Passmore) Landress for 62 years. She is pre-deceased by her husband and both will be in our hearts and prayers for eternity.

He is survived by his daughters Gail Ann Twadell (George) and Virginia Elaine Guanciale and son Glen Thomas Landress. He also has two Grandchildren, Charles Robert Angove IV and Anthony Christopher Guanciale. He was also blessed to have six Great-Grandchildren and three Great-Great-Grandchildren and many niece and nephews. Thomas had two brothers and one sister. His precious sister, Mary Patricia Landress passed at a young age. Previously deceased, Ira Griffen Landress (Wilma Landress). Thomas also has a younger brother, Marvin Sylvest (Betty Sylvest).

After graduating from Tampa High in 1950, Thomas enlisted in the Florida National Guard. He was sent to Fort Jackson, S.C. for intensified War training. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War (1951-1954). He served our country for 20 years and was recognized for his outstanding leadership. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Metal, Air Force Longevity Service award, Good Conduct Award, and the National Defense Service Medal.

In 1960 he had the opportunity to transfer to Chaumont, France. It was there he meet his friends of a lifetime. They helped him find a home for his family before they arrived from the United States. His daughter continues to keep in touch. He traveled all the European countries around, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany. The Cathedrals and Verdun would take the feelings from your heart.

On Oct, 1, 1970, he received his Honorable discharge for the United States Air Force. It was then he moved his family to Florida to be with his immediate family. He was in the service for 20 years.

In 1976 he joined the Florida Highway Auxiliary Patrol. He had already fired guns and rifles before, but he had to qualify to be in the Auxiliary. He took his job serious, as one Trooper said, "he always had my back." He retired as a Lieutenant with the FHP Auxiliary after 21 years of dedicated service. He received his certificate of service and appreciation and congratulations letter of unselfish accomplishment on March 31, 1997. He was so proud to wear the uniform.

The most admirable gift Thomas gave was of himself. Thomas and Barbara (parents) after retirement, devoted a lot of their time to Glen (son) who has MS. They took him to events, MS walks, meetings, and many doctors. They found he had chronic progressive MS. For 21 years, they went everyday to spend the day with Glen at the nursing home. Never taking time away for themselves. In most eyes, Thomas and Barbara were Angels just for what kindness they've shown and done for their son Glen. Now it's up to his Doctor, family, and friends to get Glen through this difficult time. He will be told on Mar. 23., on the passing of his Father, by his sister. He will not handle this well as he and his father were very very close. God be with him.

Thomas will be honored by the USAF Military and Florida Highway Patrol at 12:30 PM on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, Florida. There is a 50 person limit, and everyone must have a mask on to enter. ( http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/capecanaveral )

Burial will be private.

The family of Thomas I. Landress invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his memory.