Landon M. Spilman

Landon Moffett Spilman (Lan), 89, of Newtown Square, PA passed away at his residence on Tuesday June 8, 2021, of natural causes.

Lan was born on March 11, 1932, in Washington, DC, to the late Laura M. Middleton and Moffett Wellington Spilman. He was pre-deceased by his younger brother Henry (Hank) Spilman. Lan is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Betty Sue McLean Spilman. Lan and Betty Sue met in Norfolk, VA where she was working as a teacher and he was stationed while serving in the U.S. Navy for two years as a LTJG, Atlantic Fleet. Lan and Betty Sue raised their family in Westtown Township, PA where they lived for 40 years before moving to White Horse Village, Newtown Square.

Lan attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington D.C. and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1954. He spent his entire 38-year career at Scott Paper Company where he held a number of executive positions in Human Resources. He also served for thirteen years as an Officer, Director, and Senior Advisor of the Employment Management Association, a national professional organization.

Serving his community and church were very important to Lan and occupied much of his free time; along with reading, keeping up with politics and current events, traveling and fishing. Lan served First Presbyterian Church as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Elder, Stephen Minister (Counselor), and Men’s Ministry Leader for many of his 53 years as a member.

Of utmost importance to Lan was his family and spending time with his children and their families. He was a passionate supporter of his children and grandchildren’s endeavors and he generously volunteered his time and leadership in support of the activities and organizations that were important to them. He led many sports booster clubs, parent teacher associations and most notably, served on the Board of Trustees as President of the Parents Advisory Council at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA.

Lan will be deeply missed by all of the people who knew and loved him. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Many of Lan’s in-laws and children’s friends cherished him as a father figure, role model and mentor. He was a true gentleman with an unwavering moral compass.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his daughters, Laura Spilman Gilmore (Steve) of Raleigh, NC and Elizabeth Spilman Bender (Kane) of West Chester, PA; and his son, John Landon Spilman, Sr. (Marie) of Charlottesville, VA. He was blessed to have eight grandchildren; Elise Gilmore Stuart (Bill), Scott Landon Gilmore (Ellie), John Douglas Bender, Ali Elizabeth Bender, John (Jake) Landon Spilman Jr. (Carolyn), Samuel (Sam) Joseph Spilman, Carter Lawrence Spilman, and Virginia (Gigi) Marie Spilman. In May before his passing, Lan was especially grateful to have met his first great grandchild, Jake and Carolyn’s son John (Jack) Landon Spilman, III.

The family would like to thank the staff at White Horse Village – especially in the skilled nursing facility, where he received such great care.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately following at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382. The service will also be live streamed at https://youtu.be/2q62TNiRGV0

Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Christian Education Fund, 130 West Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382 or to a charity of your choice.