Hosea Gene Land

Hosea Gene Land reached the end of his exceptional life on March 1, 2024, at the age of 94.

He was born in Sullivan County, IN on February 14, 1930 at home and raised in Edwardsport, IN. He graduated from Edwardsport High School in 1948, during those years he played basketball and baseball. He was the captain of the basketball team his senior year and lettered in both sports. He also met his wife Betty Irene Archer who he affectionately called “Bet” during high school.

He enlisted in the Navy in January of 1949. He began his service at Norfolk on the USS Sierra and then was called back on active reserve during the Korean War and was stationed in Cuba. 

On January 13, 1952 he and Betty Archer were married in Edwardsport, IN. In 1954 he started college at Vincennes University completing his Associate’s degree before moving to Terre Haute to attend Indiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education. He taught Social Studies and coached basketball in Rushville, Sandburn and North Knox.

He was one of the founding members of the Edwardsport Volunteer Fire Department. He also  was a founding member of the American Legion with his brother, Bob Land. Hosea served on the Edwardsport Town Council as well. While teaching he served on the Indiana Teachers Association Community Improvement Club. He also maintained the Edwardsport Town Cemetery. 

In his younger years he loved to pheasant and quail hunt with his trusted bird dog, Susie.  Fishing and reading were pastimes he found joy in. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. He liked to go boating in his retirement years.  He loved family trips and making memories with his grandson Craig. The St. Louis Cardinals and Indiana Hoosiers were his favorite teams to watch. He also was an avid walker and loved fresh veggies from his garden. 

Hosea was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Archer; his children: Susan Grundhoefer, Timothy Land, and Roger Land. He is survived by his daughter Cris Fulford. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Craig Fulford, Amber Wetzel (and husband Josh), Tara Thacker, Denise Scott (and husband Brandon) and Seth Grundhoefer (and wife Sarah); also nine great-grandchildren: BrieAnna, Allie, Noah, Tait, Rowan, Ty, Reese, Lillian and Isabelle. He is also survived by his nephew, Gary Land. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Edwardsport Volunteer Fire Department: 406 5th St. Edwardsport, IN 47528.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 12-2 at Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Homes, Bicknell Chapel  with a service immediately following at 2 also at the funeral home. Military honor’s will be provided by the All Weather Firing Squad, at the Edwardsport Town Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fredrickandson.com

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