Reporter who often covered Illinois Route 66 news dies

Tim Landis, the longtime business editor of The State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois, who often covered Route 66 news in the state, died unexpectedly Tuesday at his home in Chatham, Illinois. He was 66.

Landis exercised regularly and had no known health issues at the time of his death, the newspaper reported. He apparently died of a sudden, massive heart attack, relatives said.

Geoff Ladd of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway spoke favorably of Landis:

“Tim enjoyed talking to Bill Kelly and I at the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway about a number of local Route 66 developments that he reported on. He kept in touch with us on a regular basis, and his coverage was informed and superb. He is already greatly missed – one of the best.”

He joined the newspaper in 1995. He wound up covering a lot of Route 66 news in Illinois’ capital city, including the death of Bill Shea and the eventual auction of his gas-station museum, the demolition of the Bel-Aire Motel, the restoration of The Mill in Lincoln, various Route 66 tours and more.

He even covered Route 66 for NPR and when he was at a newspaper in Southern Illinois.

Landis is survived by his wife, Debra Landis; parents, Floyd and Ann Landis of Anna, Illinois; son, Matt (Ellie) Landis and granddaughter Adaline of Kent, Washington; daughter, Kelsey (Jason Wever) Landis of St. Louis; several cousins; and his dog, Chandler.

Butler Funeral Homes in Springfield is handling arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday at Historic Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield. A celebration of life follows at noon at the church.

Burial will follow later at Ebenezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Historic Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 714 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield, IL 62701; Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702; or Illinois Press Association Foundation, 900 Community Drive, Springfield, IL 62703.

(Image of Tim Landis via Butler Funeral Homes in Springfield, Illinois)

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