James "Corky" Luther Land

James L “Corky” Land, 95, of Merkel, passed away on April 10, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas.

Corky Land was born in Breckenridge, Tx. to Luther and Lula Land on May 7, 1929.  He went to school in Merkel, Texas. He played Basketball and Football as a Merkel Badger. He graduated from Mekel High School in 1948.   

He married Wanda Louise Sadberry on September 23, 1950 in Trent, Texas.

He worked as a Welder/Blacksmith for Land’s Welding in Corpus Christi, TX, moved to Merkel and established Land’s Welding. He later worked in the oil field at many levels. He established Land Trucking operating as many as 5 trucks.  He was elected to the Merkel Badger Hall of Fame for his Football career. He was a member of Merkel/Tin Cup Country Club. 

Corky Land was preceded in death by father Luther Land, mother Lula Land, sister Lou Jane Rous and wife Wanda Land. 

James L “Corky” Land is survived by son Corky Land and wife Jo Ann Land, son Jimmy Land and wife Rhonda Land, son Craig Land and wife Elisabeth Land, son Larry Land and wife Tonya Land. He is also survived by 9 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025 at Starbucks Funeral Home in Merkel, Texas with Brady Jacobs officiating.  Services are under the direction of Starbuck Funeral Home.

In memory of Corky please donate to Rose Hill Cemetery fund at Merkel, Texas.

The family of James L. “Corky” Land wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas for the care, compassion and love they extended to our loved one.

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