Edward "Darren" Landon

August 30, 1964 - September 01, 2026

Edward “Darren” Landon, 62, of Check, passed away on Tuesday Sept. 1, 2026. Darren graduated from Tangier Combined High School. He served his country in the US Army and then became a police officer on Tangier. While on the island he felt the call to serve people and became the Youth Leader to the youth on the island later he graduated Duke Divinity School and became a Licensed Local Pastor. After a short stint on the Eastern Shore, he received his first appointment at a parish in Floyd County. He served 4 churches with this parish and had 3 services every Sunday for 18 years. Darren was an avid sports fan recalling many stats from years ago he followed the Yankees, Raiders, Rangers, Knicks and the NC State Wolfpack, and Georgia Bulldogs Football. Darren was the boy’s and girls’ basketball coach on Tangier Island for a few years. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ross & Nellie Landon; and a brother: Terry Landon. He is survived by his wife of 43 years: Chris Landon; Children: Justin Landon, Rochelle Crockett (Bill), Isabella Landon, Zachary Pruitt; one niece: Taylor Pruitt; two nephews: Trent Pruitt and Anthony Pruitt.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday Sept. 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Rodney Collins, Pastor Jerry Hylton, David Whitlock, and Barbara Thompson. Darren loved the 5^th Sunday Cowbell Services and therefore we will be doing this in his honor for the Celebration of Life. The family will receive friends Friday evening at Gardner Funeral Home from 5 until 7 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date on Tangier Island for family and friends.

 In Lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Floyd United Methodist Church Parrish c/o Reba Goff 1365 Huffville Rd. NE Pilot, VA 24138.

Chris & Family You are all in my prayers. Darren was a true servant of God. I admired his amazing spirit to serve and preach the word in his hard times. He will be so missed. Church will not be the same without him. He is in the arms of Jesus! Healthy Happy and Praising our Savior. I also know you know this and it doesn’t mend your broken hearts. I pray his memory and the arms of Jesus holds you tight in the days ahead. Love you Tammy

Chrissy, we sure did love Darren and treasure the time we spent with him at the beach. He was always joyful, thoughtful and so much fun. What a precious, godly man. We all love you so much and are holding you in our prayers.

Precious Christine and Family, my heart goes out to all of you during this time. I wish you peace and serenity as you travel through this difficult time. Darren was an amazing person and demonstrated that through all of his generous contributions. All my love, Pam.

Everytime I came to Virginia I came to mass.Your the best pastor I ever new.You will so be missed.Rest in peace. YOUR WITH GOD NOW.

We will miss Darren's smile and his call to worship with his island accent.

I join with many in heartache in Brother Darren's death and receive comfort in how he fulfilled the call to be a good and faithful servant and God's eternal claim on his life. Prayers for all who mourn and grieve his loss...

I was blessed to meet and work with Darren when I was a part of the Roanoke District. Though I was in Bonsack and he was in Floyd, the connection was immediate, as those who knew Darren know was the norm. He was a true man with a heart for Christ, love for everyone, and grace and humility that exuded from his soul. God be with you Chris and all who grieve his passing. Well done, good and faithful servant, taken far too soon.

Sorry for your loss my condolences

Darren was so special to my family over the years. He spoke at the funerals of many loved ones, including my Great Aunt Allie Vest and my grandfather, Horace Vest of Check. After my grandmother Aberdeen passed, Darren continued to care for and visit my grandfather Horace for many years. Hearing those stories has always meant so much to me. His kindness and genuine care for my family will never be forgotten. ❤️ Much love to you, Chris!

Chris, my sincere condolences to you and your family on hearing the news of Darren's passing. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.

We can't think about Darren without smiling. We don't remember a time when he did not have a smile on his face and he always made you feel happy and good about the day. He will be greatly missed. He always had a waving hand when you drove by the house. We are so glad to have known him. He made the world a better place.

So sorry to hear about Darren. I was his clergy mentor when he moved on the Roanoke District UMC. I admired his journey into the ministry and his commitment and dedication. Loved his island twang. Love and prayers to all of the family. Until we meet again, Darren, until we meet again.

Darren was so special to my family over the years. He spoke at the funerals of many loved ones, including my Great Aunt Allie Vest and my grandfather, Horace Vest of Check. After my grandmother Aberdeen passed, Darren continued to care for and visit my grandfather Horace for many years. Hearing those stories has always meant so much to me. His kindness and genuine care for my family will never be forgotten.

Just wanted the family to know how much we all thought of Darren. My mom, Nancy Bowman went to Haven's chapel. She adored him. He was faithfuI on his congregation family. I was blessed to have seen him not too long ago thankfully and got to give him a hug. He will be missed. May God bless you all.

Chris and family, We were so saddened to hear about Darren's passing. What a wonderful man he was and so faithful to God and his church families. I am so thankful that he was able to participate in Mom's funeral in March. I know he wasn't feeling well but you would never have known. He was so good to Mom over the years to call, e-mail and visit her. She enjoyed his shepherding and friendship more than I can say. God bless you all during this time!