Beautiful boy, his light remains
Talented, smart, and loving, Landon had a great deal of empathy. He was social and affectionate, with a great sense of humor. He had a deep love for the meaning of music and made rap songs with friends. Landon’s interests included golf, baseball, football – both Alabama and pro football. He shared his extreme knowledge of rules and stats with others who had a mutual interest. At one point, he entertained the idea of being a sports broadcaster.
Not one for scary movies, or being startled, “Landon was easily freaked out by just about anything,” his mom, Camille, stated. That made him a prime target during a hotel stay where Landon opened a closet and got a fright by the person hidden inside. Those involved still talk about Landon’s scream and how he was so scared that he wouldn’t stay in the room for the night.
Landon was a go getter with a strong work ethic. He made and delivered pizza at Bucks when he was 16, and cut and maintained the greens at the family golf course. After high school, Landon earned both a welding and maintenance certificate and worked maintenance at Huntsville hospital for three years, before becoming a welder at Polaris Industries.
Tawney was Landon’s first love, and supported Landon, even in the worst times. Though they had their son, Kayleb, now ten, very young, Landon was a very involved and dedicated father. They listened to music in the car and constructed Legos together for hours. Landon introduced Kayleb to Pokémon cards. The morning of the day Landon passed away; he presented Kayleb with a tin of Pokémon cards. Kayleb was excited to delve into them with his dad. He came home from school expecting to find him there, but never saw him again.
Landon, also known as “Newby” by his friends Joel, Brandon, Garrette, and Tyler, is remembered for his magnetic personality, dedication to family, and uplifting spirit. As close to Landon as brothers, they pledged to be there for Kayleb and Tawney. Landon’s grandaddy, Dan, was significant to Landon and stated that “he never had a negative memory about Landon.” His cousins, Zach, Cody, and Spenser, golfed together with Landon regularly, and his cousin, Chloe, was a close friend.
Landon and his sister Riley were each other’s confidants and most trusted friends. Throughout their childhood, and into their adulthood, Landon and Riley made many memories together that Riley will cherish as she grows older without him.
Though the wonderful memories are palpable, the disease of addiction changed Landon. “I couldn’t even see my son in his eyes,” Camille stated. He got paranoid and desperate and needed drugs just to feel normal. Landon grew tired of the chase and being drug dependent. He became untrustworthy; things went missing. He was disappointed in himself and ashamed. It was hard to watch for those who loved him, and the worry was constant. No longer being able to feel Landon’s physical presence, genuine love, affection, and hugs is hard for Camille.
“Landon would never have chosen addiction over his son,” Camille said. ‘He was lost, helpless, hopeless and full of shame.’ She hopes when Kayleb is older, he will understand Landon’s addiction as the brain disorder it is, and not as a choice. “Landon always planned to continue being the best daddy he could be for his son,” she said.
Camille is now passionate about educating herself and others about the disease of addiction.
Landon’s mother, Camille Newby, provided the information for this narrative.
October 5, 1994-November 14, 2019-Age 25
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
