Robert "Dale" Ladson Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

June 29, 1937 - April 8, 2014 Robert Dale Ladson Sr., 76, rural Rochester and the Mentone area, passed away at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Ft. Wayne, after being in failing health since December. On June 29, 1937, Robert was born in Marshall County to LaVerne E. and Mildred E. (Shaffer) Ladson. Robert married Lois Ann England on Oct. 24, 1965, at the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church in Kosciusko County and she survives. He was a dairy farmer as well as working for Petrolene Gas Company, Warsaw. He also worked as a seed salesman for Patriot, Brodbeck, Crow's and Sunstar companies. In addition, he worked for the federal crop insurance program. Robert was a graduate of Talma High School in 1955 and he was an all-county softball pitcher. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard serving from 1960-1966 and receiving many commendations. He was a member of the Talma Bible Church. He enjoyed his morning coffee at Teel's, Tweedle Dee's, Akron Kountry Kitchen and the former Steer Inn. He loved traveling to the Dakotas to see family as well as going to casinos like Belterra and Four Winds. He dearly loved his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Lois Ladson, Rochester; a daughter, Roberta Ann Ladson, Warsaw; two sons, Robert Dale Jr. and wife Joanna Ladson, Bremen, and Ryan Ladson, Mentone; a sister, Mary and husband Jim Unzicker, Claypool; and three grandchildren, Nathaniel, Marisa and Joshua Ladson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lena Goss and brother Lynn Ladson. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St. Mentone, with Rev. Ben Hammond officiating. Burial is in the Sycamore Cemetery, Mentone, with graveside military rites performed by the Fulton County Honor Guard. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014, at King Memorial Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mentone Fire Dept. for Grain Bin Tube & Rescue Training and Equipment.