More detail on this person: Roger Ladd February 7, 1944 - October 2, 2021 Modesto, California - Born in Madison, WI. in 1944, Roger moved to Modesto, CA with his Mother, brother and sister in 1957. He attended Thomas Downey High School and graduated in 1962 and in 1965 he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Verplanck. Shortly after graduating high school, Roger enlisted in the National Guard, then made the transition to the US Army where he served two tours in Vietnam and 14 years on active duty. He was in the infantry during his first tour, then after coming home for training, went back for the second tour as a Huey helicopter pilot. He may have left the Army but the Army never left him. He even had all of his clocks set to military time forcing everyone else to learn the 24 hour clock. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Roger, with his wife and two daughters, moved back to California settling in the Modesto area. He enrolled in California State University Stanislaus and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. That same year, he started a 30 year career as an emergency dispatcher for Stanislaus Regional 911. After threatening to retire for several years, he finally did in 2011, and then proceeded to question himself on why he waited so long. Roger passed away peacefully at home on Saturday October 2nd surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Sheldon (1955), mother, Carol (2001) and brother Vince (2000). He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Kelly (Martin) and Tracy Ladd and his sister Debbie Rider along with five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Roger had a sharp mind and loved to debate politics with anyone, and was always up to date on current events. He loved his family and he loved spending time with them. He had a love for movies and music which he shared with his kids. He took both of his daughters to their first concert, and it wouldn't be their last. He was a husband, father, brother, son and friend to many. He was also a mentor, teacher, protector and advocate. At Roger's request, there will not be any type of funeral services. The family will arrange for a Celebration of Life to take place at a later date. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the entire team at Seva Hospice and Eaton Family Funeral and Cremation Service. The family also asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans: PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH. 45250-0301 (www.dav.org).
Burial information: Cremated
This information was last updated 10/11/2021
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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