Jerry Don Ladd passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep, in Central City, Arkansas, on May 15, 2017 at the age of 70. He was born on May 18, 1946 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Austina Collins Ladd and his step-sons, Cameron, Gavin and Spencer Collins; his daughter, Brandi Gilliaum of Greenwood, her husband Shannon and grandchildren, Tanner and Cade Gilliaum; his son, Jeff Ladd of Fort Smith and his wife, Dianna and grandchildren, Reece and Knox Ladd; and his children's mother, Kathryn "Kay" Ladd of Fort Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Gooch Stadanlyck of Bartlett, Tennessee; his niece, Melissa Gooch and his nephew, Matthew Gooch (who predeceased him); his sister, Connie Lumley of Memphis and her husband, Richard; and his nephews, Blain and Craig Lumley.
He was predeceased by his parents, Herald Austin and Annie Stamie Ladd; and his brother, Herald Dwayne Ladd, all of Memphis, Tennessee.
Jerry graduated from Treadwell High School in Tennessee in 1964 and attended the University of Memphis where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He married Kathryn Dinkins in 1967 and they moved to Fort Smith with their family in 1973 where he was a successful hotel manager. He later opened his own businesses and was known for his gregarious personality, his generosity and his dedication to hard work. He was loved not only by his family, but by his many faithful friends and employees, all who knew him as a leader– someone who was always willing to help and who would give his last dime to do so.
Memorial service is scheduled for 2:00pm Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church, Kevin Thompson, will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry Ladd's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Edwards Funeral Home.
May 20, 2017
Friend
Robert Hofer
Prayers for family
May 20, 2017
Linda Spruell
Very sorry to hear of his passing. Will keep family in my prayers.
May 18, 2017
Michelle Mudd
Thank you Jerry for caring for my daughter Alayna as you did. You blessed our family with and we will never forget you.
May 18, 2017
GARY SEITER
JERRY WILL SURELY BE MISSED!!
THEY SAY THAT LIFE IS MEASURED IN MOMENTS...AND SOME OF MY BEST KNOWN MOMENTS WERE THE YEARS I SPENT WORKING FOR JERRY AS HIS "HEAD BARTENDER". I WILL NEVER FORGET WORKING FOR HIM AT TIFFANY'S IN THE RAMADA INN ON TOWSON AVE. AND ALSO IN MT. PLEASANT, TX. WITH MARIE PATON. THERE WAS ALSO THE SUNDOWNER CLUB ON S. ZERO ST.IN FT. SMITH WITH JERRY, KEN DELOZIER AND PHIL UDOUJ AND JOHNNIE'S ROCK-N-ROLL ON TOWSON AVE. HEY, WHO CAN FORGET SOME OF THE BANDS WE BOOKED AT THE SUNDOWNER SUCH AS "SLIDEBAR" AND "SINGLETREE"? JERRY WAS ALWAYS FAIR AND A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH AND A GREAT GENERAL MANAGER!! GOODBYE, JERRY AND GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!
GARY "HEAD BARTENDER" SEITER
May 18, 2017
Jason and Christine Houpt
May 18, 2017
Kitty Myers
Not much I can say that hasn't been said...Jerry will always be in everyone's heart, because, in one way or another he gently touched our souls....blessed be to Austina and all of the family. We'll miss you Daddy Laddy!
May 18, 2017
Craig Cotner
RIP Doo-Dad. Thank you for being my friend.
May 18, 2017
Doug Pschier
Jerry has been an inspiration to me for so many years. What a great guy to have been blessed enough to be around! Your family, Brandi and Shannon, and Jeff and Diane, and everyone else proud to call you family, my prayers are with each of You! Thank you, Jerry, for being what a hero is supposed to be! God speed, my friend!
May 18, 2017
Wolf Buse
I am so very sorry for the loss of Jerry. He will be missed.
May 17, 2017
Snow Jewel White
May 17, 2017
Mary Beth Keller
I am saddened to hear of Jerry's death. I met Jerry over 40 years ago when he was the manager of the Sheraton Inn in Fort Smith. My brother, Burl,worked for him in the Pebbles Club and knew Jerry well. Between Burl and Jerry my girlfriends and I always felt safe at the club. Jerry had a big heart and was always kind to me and my friends. I'm sure that all of his friends in the Fort Smith area will be saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May God keep you in the palm of hand during this time of grief.
May 17, 2017
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Jerry. I can't count the hours of great fun had at GreenLadds back in the day. Best wishes to all of the family
Greer Vest
May 17, 2017
Charlotte Harper
Jerry was such a great guy. He opened and operated the best places in town! He was a friend to everyone. Thoughts and Prayers for his friends and loved ones. RIP dear Jerry.
May 17, 2017
John and Frances Aquino
Kathy, Connie and families, we are so very sorry to hear about Jerry, we all know that he will keep all our departed family members laughing and having a good time in Heaven, that's the Jerry I will always remember. We love you Jerry!
May 17, 2017
Rob Daul
Jerry and I lived next door to each other without ever meeting one another. I happen to stop in Grand Central station five years ago and we became best of friends. He had a big heart and a special gift with people. I'll miss him! God bless all of his family members and friends
May 17, 2017
Jason Priakos
We are very saddened by the passing of Jerry. Growing up with Jeff and Brandi in Fort Smith, what I admired most about Jerry was that he put his kids first and his world revolved around them. For me, he provided many learning moments with a can do attitude and was always encouraging yet stern to do the right thing. Jerry will be missed in my heart and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and everyone he encountered.
May 16, 2017
Linda Eck
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. Jerry and my late husband Bernie Eck were friends and that was when I met Jerry. Bernie became the manager of the old Sheraton Inn after Jerry left it. He was always so kind and thoughtful, and always had a smile on his face, no one seemed to be a stranger to Jerry. I know he will be greatly missed. GOD BLESS!
May 16, 2017
Rosemary Stallings
Prayers of strength to family and friends ... Jerry will truly be missed!
Heaven has gained a jolly soul!
R.I.P. Jerry Don Ladd
Dean & Row
May 16, 2017
Vickie Schuster
Austina, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God's comfort for you and your family during this time.
May 16, 2017
Teresa Ryan Rovery
Prayers for the Ladd family. I have precious memories of 30 years of Ladd/Ryan, lake times and vacations. Much love to all.
May 16, 2017
Very sorry for the families loss, I really liked him and will miss his smile.
May he rest in piece.
Dennis Curry
Fort smith
May 16, 2017
JT Sherrard
I owe meeting some of the best friends I have ever had to Jerry. I was just passing through Fort Smith and was told to eat at Grand Central for "steak night". I met Jerry and he asked me what I did for a living and I told him stand up comedy. He asked me if I would do a little of my routine and I originally said no, it wasn't the right venue for it. He offered me my meal and $50 to do it, to which I reluctantly agreed, more so to get him to stop asking. I decided to pick on on a group of guys at a table near the "stage". They are like my brothers today and it is because Jerry talked me into doing a little of my routine that I met them. That passing through turned into 12 of the best years of my life. I am in Texas now, but will always remember that day. RIP Jerry and thank you for being persistent!
May 16, 2017
Peggy Frost, Woolf
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Jerry was a special person to his friends. God Bless.
May 16, 2017
Grant Pierson
I worked for Jerry off and on since the early '80's. He was always kind to me and I considered him my friend. He'll not be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Laddy-Daddy.
May 16, 2017
Margaret Cervantes
I am saddened at the loss of my cousin Jerry, sending my love to his sisters, my cousins, Connie and Kathy. My thoughts and prayers for his family.
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