John Irvin Ladd

John I. Ladd, Colonel, US Army (RET), died August 27, 2008. Born January 22, 1912 in Pueblo, CO, to Albert Alan Ladd and Carrie Bernard Ladd. Survived by daughter, Donna (Peter) Gruitch, Green Mountain Falls, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and four great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Mildred Schuster Ladd. In 1946, John joined his father and two brothers to form the Ladd Lumber & Mercantile Company. This company included a number of other enterprises. John retired from the US Army after serving 33 years. During World War II, he served overseas for over two years in Europe with the staff of General Omar N. Bradley. He was a 50 + year member of Silver-State Lodge #95AF & AM, Southern Colorado Consistory, Al Kaly Shrine and Elks Lodge #90. He was Potentate of Al Kaly Shrine in 1966, President of Central States Shrine Association in 1972. Founding member of Al Kaly Shrine Mule Train and serving twice as its president. In addition to his fraternal service, he was active in civic affairs having served on both the 1950 and 1955 Pueblo City Charter Conventions. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 1:30 P.M., Thursday, September 4, 2008 in the Davis Memorial Chapel with Masonic Burial Rites by Silver State Lodge #95 AF&AM. Private inurnment in Roselawn Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Scottish Rite Foundation in lieu of flowers.