Waterloo Times

Current State Rep. John Landon of District 37 passed away July 29. He was 71 years old. Landon was first elected to office in 2013, KCRG reported.

He also served on the House Appropriations Committee, House Local Government Committee and House Transportation Committee, KCCI reported.

“A rock solid Christian and conservative legislator and friend," Iowa State Rep. Janesville Sandy Salmon of District 63 said in a post to her Facebook account August 2. "John and I came in at the same time. I will really miss him.”

Another formal statement was issued by Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley to mourn Landon's death, showing the reach of his influence and the affection that was felt for him by other leaders in Iowa, in addition to his loved ones. 

“Today, we lost a dear friend and dedicated public servant in Representative John Landon," Grassley said. "The Iowa House and House District 37 were fortunate to have someone so dedicated to his work all the way until his final day. As far as public servants go, John was the very best of us. John was everything Iowa needs in its representatives: a strong leader, a hard worker, a great mind and a humble servant. He will be sorely missed by all of us, but he is in a better place. Please join me and Iowa House Republicans in sending prayers to his wife Marvis and the rest of his family.”

Landon was a Vietnam War veteran in the U.S. Navy who also served as church deacon and on the stewardship committee at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ankeny. He was also a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree. 

A wife, two children and three grandchildren survive Landon.