Henry Proctor “Hank” Land, Jr.

Henry Proctor “Hank” Land, Jr., 79 of Shawnee, Okla., originally of Pensacola, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Norman Regional Hospital.

He was born the son of Proctor and Dixie Allen Land on April 30, 1941 in Pensacola. He was the fifth born of seven children.

He attended and graduated from Tate High School in Cantonment, Fla., and earned a scholarship to play football at Florida State University. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Army in 1966. He served two tours in Vietnam and earned a number of medals and commendations.

These include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, Vietnam Campaign Medial, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, two Overseas Service Bars and Aircraft Crewman Badge.

Hank, as he was commonly known, retired from military service in 1979 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. While serving in the military, he earned his Master’s Degree.

After retiring from the Service, he moved to Guthrie, Okla., where he served as Chief of Police. He moved to Shawnee when he was hired as the Shawnee Police Chief and served over 12 years before retiring.

Hank and his wife Marta owned and operated the House of Flowers on North Kickapoo along with several rental properties. Marta and her two daughters, Jodi Ayers and Megan Lincoln still operate the flower shop.

Hank loved watching OU football, traveling with his wife Marta and being with his family and grandkids. He and Marta liked boating, they enjoyed their lake home and holding barbecues.

He is survived by his loving wife Marta of the home; son Proctor Land, Norman; two daughters, Jodi Ayers, Shawnee and Megan and husband Randy Lincoln, Shawnee; two brothers, Henry Culver Land, Pensacola and David Chapman Land, Oklahoma; a sister, Elaine Land, Florida; seven grandchildren, Jaxon Ayers, Caden Ayers, Madox Ayers, Corban Lincoln, Roman Lincoln, Talova Lincoln and Liam Lincoln, all of Shawnee; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents Proctor and Dixie Allen Land; first wife Ardeta Crum Land; two brothers, Warren C. Land and Allen Land; a sister Gwenith Land.

A memorial will be held later and details will be announced. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

People can view and sign online the guest book at www.corbettfuneral.com