Thomas J. “T.J.” Landes, Jr., 72, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on June 5, 2026.
Born and raised in Wooster, T.J. was the son of Thomas J. Landes, Sr. and June (Hartzel) Landes, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Jeannie Landes.
A lifelong resident of Wooster, T.J. was proud of his hometown and remained deeply connected to its people and community throughout his life.
He graduated from Wooster High School in 1972, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to attend the College of Wooster, where he played football and became a proud member of Phi Delta Sigma fraternity. He later attended the University of Alabama for one year, beginning a lifelong admiration for Crimson Tide football.
On June 23, 1990, T.J. married Teresa Jo (Phillips) Landes. Together they shared 36 years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and friendship.
T.J. dedicated 25 years of service to Rubbermaid, where he was respected for his work ethic, dependability, and integrity.
Outside of work, T.J. lived life with enthusiasm and humor. He was a longtime member of the House of Iron for 44 years, where he trained alongside his closest friends and lifelong companions. He also shared an extraordinary 54+ year bond with his College of Wooster fraternity brothers, a connection they often described as “OUR STRONG BONDS,” reflecting a lifelong brotherhood that never faded.
T.J. and Teresa were known for their generosity and hospitality, especially through their beloved backyard pool at their home in Wooster. Their home became a gathering place for neighborhood children and families, hosting weekly swim days and countless celebrations including birthdays, graduations, and special occasions. Generations of families grew up enjoying the warmth and welcome of the Landes home, with many now returning with children of their own.
For 25 years, T.J. and Teresa shared cherished trips to the Cayman Islands, a place that became their special retreat and a symbol of their life together.
T.J. had a lifelong passion for sports. Beyond playing and attending games, he was known as a student of sports history and trivia, with a remarkable memory and deep appreciation for the games he loved. In quieter moments, he could often be found in his favorite chair watching sports of all kinds.
He will be remembered most for his sense of humor, integrity, generosity, positive outlook on life, and his genuine love for children and family.
Special thanks are extended to Kayla and Jarrod Beyler. Kayla, T.J.’s niece, held a uniquely special place in his life as the daughter he always wanted, and both Kayla and Jarrod were steadfastly present and supportive throughout his final days.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Following the service, family and friends are invited to an open house celebration of life at the Landes residence, 1087 Ashwood Drive, Wooster, Ohio.
T.J. is survived by his wife, Teresa Jo Landes, along with extended family, lifelong friends, fraternity brothers, and countless members of the Wooster community who wee touched by his life.
A proud supporter of Alabama football, T.J. will always be remembered with a smile and a nod toward his Crimson Tide spirit.
Roll Tide.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
My heartfelt condolences to Teresa and the Landes Family.
Thank you T.J. May you rest in peace Brother. OSB
T.J. your smile and laughter lives on within us. Everlasting peace and joy to you.
I am so very for your loss Teresa. If I can help in anyway, please call.
One of my first friends at Wooster.
Teresa if I had the words to take away your pain I would say them over and over. You two are a blessing. God bless. Hugs
So sorry to hear of TJ’S passing,My condolences to Teresa and his extended families
So sorry to hear of TJ’s death. And prayers for you at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear this. TJ was a great guy
TJ you were one of a kind and a great Delt, and I am blessed to have been your Frat Bro in 5th Section.
Rest in peace my Brother TJ and “Our Strong Bonds” will never waiver!
J-Mac
Most people go through life and become that one special person TJ Landis was that one special person He will be truly missed by a lot of people rest in peace my friend. Terry Hoffer and family ❤️
I remember TJ as a really nice person. My heart is broken today. Much love.
TJ was one of a kind he always put his hand on my shoulder and said how is Charlotte doing today every morning when we passed each other in the halls at school. He had the prettiest smile going to miss him praying for the family we are out of town next week so will miss the services but will take out time for prayer during calling hours. Another good person gone too soon
TJ was one of the most positive people I have ever met. He had a smile for everyone, young or old, rich or poor, no matter your race, sex, religion or politics. He was kind and generous to a fault, and it was my pleasure to know TJ through sports and the Wooster community for almost 60 years. So sorry for your loss Teresa!
Condolence to Teresa and. TJ’’s family and friends.He was a well liked employee ofRubbermaid!!
We are forever grateful for the friendships of TJ and Theresa and will be praying for her as she navigates her journey in the coming days, months, and years . What a kind man TJ was.
Having lived down the street from the Landes home from 1964-79 I well remember the kindness of this family. The fun times on the basketball court, the tree house, hide ‘n seek in the neighborhood. My prayers are with Teresa and the extended family!
RIP TJ
Roll Tide
T.J was truly a great guy and Teresa you were his blessing. My heart goes out to you as you navigate this difficult time. Prayers going up for you and T.J.’s extended family and friends.
Teresa please know you have our condolences I always thought a lot of TJ one of a kind for sure
Sorry for your loss Theresa. TJ was a great guy. Prayers to you. He will be missed.
Teresa, so sorry to hear of TJ’s passing. Prayers to you and your extended family and friends at this very difficult time.
Teresa, You and TJ were the ultimate duo. I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Prayers for the family of TJ Landes and his wife Teresa ,, these two was so sweet and cute together,, I just love to see a nice couple sharing their love amongst each other ,, it was just something to be admired …my heart would melt seeing them together at Rubbermaid ,, May the Lord keep you all well ,, RIP TJ
Your presence was always felt and you will be missed. OSB
Praying for TJs wife and family! May God give you comfort at this time of sorrow.
So sorry for your loss Teresa. TJ was so pleasant to work with and a special guy!
So sad to hear of my ” little” cousin TJ’s passing. I’ve been living in Arizona for over 52 yrs and I have not had the opportunity to visit our Ohio family as often as I’d like. TJ was the treasured only son of my father’s sister, Auntie June. Blessings to the family and may he rest in peace….
So Very sorry of hearing of TJ Passing,, He was a very special person and enjoyed working with him,
I’m very sorry to read of TJ’s passing! The Nye & Landes families go way back. TJ’s Dad sold my folks their first home in Wooster on Ashwood. The Landes family as a whole just wow! They all played a role in my childhood. I remember spending a lot of time at the Landes’s with all the neighborhood kids. TJ was always around. Great times!!! From the basketball court to the scary treehouse with the swinging ladder! I was terrified by that. But finally was able to make up…. Boy was I proud. Anyways the memories with TJ & Teresa go way back! He will be missed. I bumped into PD just a couple weeks ago and asked if he had seen TJ. Prayers sent your way !!! 🙏🏻
So sorry to hear of TJ’S passing. My condolences to the family.
Dear Landes family, we’re sorry to hear about your beloved “TJ”, husband, father, friend and loved one.
May God comfort you during this difficult time. Prayers 🙏🏼💔
OSB TJ! May you rest in peace! I remember you as being a kind hearted soul who would do anything he could help his people. I also remember numerous antics reverberating throughout the hallways of 5th Section! You are gone but not forgotten brother. Rolllll Tide! Teresa my thoughts and condolences are with you!
The Rose
One’s life can often be compared to that of the Rose. A Rose begins life as a small tiny bud that soon gives way to a beautiful flower. The fragrance and beauty of the Rose is admired by all who past by. Some stop to get a closer look at the Rose and by doing so, become attached to it and return often.
But all too soon, the fragrance of the Rose begins to fade and its pedals fall to the side until the Rose is no more.
But the Rose will not be forgotten as its beauty is remembered by all those who have been fortunate enough to come into contact with it.
Teresa
So sorry to hear of TJ’s passing. Critter let me know.
TJ was always so.kind. My thoughts are with you.
Vicki Thomas Koelsch
Teresa, so sorry for your loss ….as we all know TJ was a kind and generous man and will be missed…but never forgotten! The great times and laughs are what I’ll remember starting back at the C.O.W. as fellow Delt and for decades that followed, especially the generosity when you guys hosted those July evenings for our Delt outing get togethers….great memories and friendships…..RIP Brother TJ – OSB
Oh Teresa, So very sorry to hear about TJ. He was the sweetest & kindest soul ever! So many wonderful memories at your wonderful home for the Delt golf outings & other cookouts you often had back in the day. My heart truly hurts for you! Much love to you 🙏
TJ was a great neighbor to have during the 21 years I resided on Ashwood Drive! always had pleasant thoughts to share.
May he “Rest in Peace” Tom K. Lavelle
Our deepest condolences to Teresa and all the friends and brothers of TJ. We are very sad with his passing. There are so many memories over so many years of TJ’s big heart and big laugh – a truly unique individual. Deeply grateful to have been his friend and Delt brother. Peace and grace.
This is Eilee and I’m really sorry for your loss
Teresa: Kindly accept sincerest condolences on the passing of a special friend & neighbor! Will keep you
in my thoughts & prayers in the days ahead.
Tom Lavelle
I knew TJ somewhat when I worked at Rubbermaid. I always thought well of him and am sad to see that he passed. My condolences to Teresa and his family and friends.