Thurman Landers

Thurman Landers, age 76, of Huber Heights, Ohio, passed away on March 12, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.

Thurman was born to Raymond and Elizabeth Landers. He attended Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton. He proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he built a long and dedicated career with General Motors and Delphi, from which he retired.

A lifelong coach and mentor, Thurman devoted over 45 years to coaching soccer and basketball throughout his community. He coached with Warrior Soccer Club and Kingdom Sports Center, as well as many other teams over the years. Coaching was more than a role to him. It was a passion. He poured his heart into the kids he coached, guiding, encouraging, and shaping lives far beyond the game.

Thurman was known as a gentle giant, both deeply kind and quietly commanding. He had a powerful presence, anchored by his unforgettable deep voice, which brought comfort, strength, and sometimes just the right amount of intimidation when needed. He was the kind of father who was always there, no matter the time or distance. One call, and he would answer, ready to show up without hesitation.

He found joy in the simple, meaningful things in life. He loved creating special moments around the holidays, whether it was passing out candy and making treats for Halloween, preparing Easter eggs and baskets by hand, or decorating his home with lights and Christmas trees to bring his family together. He also enjoyed movies and was a true movie buff, along with a love for video games. He took pride in keeping his lawn perfectly maintained and his cars spotless, always detailed and shining. He was a natural talker, able to connect with anyone and often talking until you could not help but smile and open up.

Above all, Thurman loved his family. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren and cherished every moment with them. He was not only a father and grandfather, but also a mentor, a friend, and a steady presence in the lives of many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Elizabeth Landers, and his siblings Francis Landers, Raymond Landers Jr., Michael Landers, and Elmer Landers.

Thurman is survived by his children, Kim Landers and her husband, Davide Bianca, Scott Landers and his wife, Heather Landers, and Keith Landers and his longtime partner, Alma Gomez; his grandchildren, Anthony Landers and his wife, Bethaney Landers, Mia Landers, Arla Bianca, Nicholas Capobianco, William Wening, and Hailey Day; his great grandchildren, Hazel Landers, Paisley, and Parker; and his siblings Carol Jean Landers, Terry Landers, Steve Landers, Donna Landers, and Donald Landers, along with many extended family members, friends, and the countless players and families whose lives he touched.

Funeral service details will be announced at a later date. Thurman will be laid to rest at the Dayton National Cemetery with military honors.

To his family, he will always be remembered as our real life Darth Vader, strong, protective, and with a voice that carried both strength and comfort, a voice we will miss forever.

May the Force be with you, Dad.