Roll Call Tribute

Fritz Eugene Landers
July 8, 1935 - March 3, 2021

Fritz E. Landers, Class of '57 and '74, went to his heavenly homecoming on 3 March 2021. He was born on 8 July, 1935 to Roger Q. Landers (Class of '20) and Emmie E. (Luckenbach) Landers.

Fritz became a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, and his class of ‘57 was the last “Fish Band”. It was the last year the Corp’s entire fish class was housed at the Aggie Annex, where they also attended classes. Sophomore year they then moved to main campus. He was a member of the Presbyterian Student Club, the San Angelo Hometown Club, the 4H Club, and Phi Eta Sigma. He was designated a Distinguished Student every semester of his career at A&M.

Sophomore year, he was a member of the Range and Forestry Club. As a Junior, he joined Ross Volunteers, Alpha Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Ag Student Council. He was one of the originators of the Edwards Plateau Hometown Club, of which he was chosen vice-president. That year he was designated as a Distinguished Military Student in the Transportation Corps by the Military Department. His Junior hear he participated in the National Range Plant Identification Team, in which his team placing him first in the nation. Fritz placed high-man in the national contest, becoming the individual national champion.

As a Senior, he became president of the Range and Forestry Club, Chancellor of Alpha Zeta, treasurer of the Ag Council, chairman of the Inter Council Committee, a member of the Agriculturist staff, and a Cadet Major on the Consolidated Band Staff. He loved being in the Fighting Texas Aggie band, where he was selected and proudly marched in Bugle Rank. Didn’t matter that he played saxophone, not trumpet—he was very tall and could march straight!

In 1957 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Range and Forestry. He received an officer’s commission in the U.S. Army, reported for duty at Ft. Eustice, Virginia where he served honorably and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant, continuing in the reserves.

Fritz and Jimmie were married on Aug 23rd, 1958. They settled in Menard, Fritz joining his Dad on the ranch until 1963 when they went back to College Station where Fritz completed his teaching certification. They then relocated to Leakey, Texas where Fritz became head of the Leakey Grammar School-High School math department, and coached the Women’s Basketball Team.

In 1968, the family moved back to Aggieland where Fritz earned a Masters degree in Education Administration, completed in 1970. Fritz decided to start over in Veterinary School. In 1974, Fritz earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, and the family moved to Mason.

After a year of Veterinary practice with the Rosberg Clinic in a down cattle market, Fritz taught school for a few years at Mason High School and served as head of the Science Department where he taught Biology and Chemistry. After operating his own Veterinary Clinic, he was elected County Judge of Mason, becoming the first Republican judge in Mason’s history. Veterinary Medicine became a secondary job, but by the 16th year as Judge, practically no time was available to treat animals. He also initiated and personally handled jail ministry while he was judge. As judge, he became quite popular at performing weddings.

In 1977, Fritz became a football official with the Southwest Officials Association. He was very involved recruiting others to become local officials, and he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships that came of it.

Fritz was a founder of Grace Christian School from its beginning in 1986. He became principal in 2009 and taught classes until he retired in 2018. He sponsored and traveled with students to Student Leadership Conventions held at ORU and Coastal Plains. He enjoyed the men’s fishing retreats on the river. He encouraged students to volunteer for community service. He served on the church board of Mason Community Church and school board for Grace Christian School. He was loved and honored by students and parents alike.

Fritz was a member of the Mason Chapter of the International Association of Lions Clubs and served as President, Secretary, and also treasurer. He also participated in the Concho Valley of Governments, and the Ministerial Alliance.

In the early 1990’s Fritz managed of the Landers’s family ranch in Menard and continued football officiating. At the age of 69, he officially retired and gave away all his football official’s uniforms to prevent un-retiring, and then did statistics for the Puncher home games.

He was honored by the Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) for his dedicated service as a board member of the organization for 40 years.

He is survived by his bride of 62 years, Jimmie, and daughters Vivien, Kathy '83, and Carol, brother Roger Q. “Jake” Landers '54, and brother John Brooks Landers '63. His sister, Susanna (Landers) Brown of Menard, preceded him to heaven. Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at (heritagefuneraltx.com).