Dean Ladd, Lt. Col., USMCR Ret., went home to be with the Lord on August 17, 2022 at the age of 101 at his home in Spokane, Washington. He was born in Spokane and enlisted at 18 in the Marine Corps. He saw intense WWII fighting during combat on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. He served with the Second Marine Division as a platoon and company commander. His experiences led him to write his book, Faithful Warriors, to remember his fallen comrades.
Dean returned home after the war to become an engineer. He married Vera Mae Michel and they had three daughters in one year. Dean and Vera raised their family in California, where he worked for Lockheed and its space program. After he retired, he and Vera traveled worldwide, and he pursued his hobbies of genealogy, writing, Marine Corps reunions, history, and geology. Over his lifetime, he wrote three books and 29 manuscripts.
Dean and Vera returned home to live in Spokane, eventually building their dream home in the hills of Spokane Valley. Dean stayed very active with the Marine Corps Reserve Association. He volunteered and led many professional groups. He loved serving his church in the valley.
Vera preceded Dean in death by 15 years. After her death, he continued to travel, research, and write. Dean is survived by his three daughters, Lelia Michele Meyer, Lia Kathleen Bertholic, and Janet Elaine Harpainter. He has 17 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren. More information about his life and works can be found on the web: http://theworksofdeanladd.yolasite.com
The funeral service is on September 3, 2022 at 9:30 am receiving by family, and 10:30 am Service celebrating Dean’s life. Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA.
Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Saltese Cemetery, Saltese Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99016.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HazenJaegerValley.com for the Ladd family.
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