Dusty Ray Land

Dusty Ray Land of Midland, Texas passed away Monday, August 8, 2022 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dusty was born March 1, 1958 in Snyder, Texas to Stanford and Juanita Land. He was the sixth of seven children. After graduating high school, he moved to Midland where he began his career with the Midland Police Department as a cadet in June of 1976. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at the Branch at npw. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Greenwood Baptist Church in Midland, Texas, with burial following at Greenwood Cemetery.

Dusty served in several facets of the Police Department including Patrol Division, Detective Division, Administration Division, and Training Division, working his way up the ranks to Lieutenant. He attended and completed the FBI National Academy in 1992. He retired from Midland Police Department in June 2009, after 33 years of service.

After Dusty’s retirement from law enforcement he worked for several oil field related companies where he made many new friends and associates. In 2019, Dusty returned to the law enforcement profession by taking on the role of Director of Training, with Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy.

Dusty loved his family first and foremost. He is preceded in death by his oldest daughter Brandi Land, his parents Stanford and Juanita Land, his father in law Bobby Howard, and sisters Judy Stirman and Vicki Solla. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Jo Land of Midland, his son Robin “Bud” Land and wife Sara and grandson Caston, of Midland, daughter Molli Land of Melbourne, Florida, daughter Amanda Smith and husband Houston and grandkids Houston Jr. and Shelby of Christoval, TX., daughter Ashley McClellan and husband Chad and granddaughter Caroline of Midland, and son Jake Hall and wife Brittany and grandsons Joseph, Morgan, and Jackson of Midland, mother in law Peggy Howard of Midland, brothers Rocky Land of Snyder, TX., Sandy Land of Mineral Wells, TX, Baron Land of Arlington, TX, and sister Pat Shands of Odessa, TX. Dusty had a large extended family with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews that he loved as his very own.

Dusty loved shooting sporting clays, and any related events especially those involving fundraisers and benefits for his community. He was a huge supporter of his kids in any of their events, such as 4-H and sports. “Pops”, as he was known to the grandkids, loved spending time building tree houses and whatever else came into the picture such as riding 4 wheelers, the Mule and anything else with wheels.

Dusty was a big man with a bigger heart. He left a legacy and is already greatly missed. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to a favorite charity, or to the Midland County 4-H or Midland County Livestock Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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