Leonard J. Ladish, 70, achieved his lifelong goal today, March 3, 2009, and went to be with his Lord.  We were not ready for him to go, but seek comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved wife of 47 years, Ann Carolyn…our Mother…his best friend.

Leonard was born April 9, 1938 to John and Hilda Ladish in Goose Creek, Texas.  He spent most of his life in Taft, and moved to Sinton in 2006.

Leonard took great joy in his family, his church family and friends, and his two cherished grandchildren, Suzanne and Garth.  He loved piddling outdoors with his cows, and enjoyed his frequent trips to Halletsville where he rejuvenated his spirit.  Daddy never met a stranger, was generous and kind to everyone who crossed his path, and lived his life to serve the Lord and his church.  Leonard Ladish made his children proud to call him "Dad", and his grandchildren proud he was their "Papa".

Leonard’s many achievements include retiring as a Supervisor for Reynolds Metals Company where he was employed 47 years.  He was a former Board of Director who lobbied for the Taft Hospital; served in almost every position at First United Methodist Church in Taft; was the church Financial Secretary; He was active with the First United Methodist Church Resale Shop and First Light Learning Center, where he also served as board member.  Leonard enjoyed coaching Little League and was a member of the JC’s.

Leonard leaves behind a daughter, Sherwin (Robert) Fairly of Sinton, Texas; a son, Jeffrey Ladish of Taft, Texas; three sisters, Joan Graves of San Marcos, Texas, Annette (Edward) McCrumb of Halletsville, Texas and Margaret Perkins of Taft, Texas; two grandchildren, Suzanne D’Leigh and John Robert "Garth" Fairly; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Mary Garrett, Mrs. Helen Hill, Peggy and Joe Encinia, and Margie and John Colborn.

Preceding Leonard in death are his wife, Ann Carolyn Scalf Ladish, his parents, John and Hilda Ladish; and a brother-in-law, Charles Graves.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2009, 2:00 PM, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton with family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00 PM. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 6, 2009, 10:00 AM, at the First United Methodist Church in Taft with Pastor Margaret Decker officiating. Burial will be in Sinton Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Garth Fairly, Blake McCrumb, Edward McCrumb, Jr., Charles Graves, John Graves and Jerry Perkins.  Honorary Pallbearers are Edward McCrumb, Joe Encinia, Lee Krueger, John Colborn, Roy Floerke, Billy Fikes, Richard Burt and Woodrow (Coach Petty to Daddy) Petty.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts may be sent to the First United Methodist Church Resale Shop or First Light Learning Center in Taft, Texas.