Gerald Jeffrey Ladd, commonly known as Jeff Ladd, of McAlester, OK died unexpectedly in the comfort of his home after a brief illness on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the young age of 61.

Jeff was born on March 6, 1962 in Orlando, FL to biological parents James and Sarah Colburn. Jeff was the youngest of three sons. At the age of about five Jeff was adopted by parents Jim and Mary Ladd of Lane, OK. He attended Lane Elementary school and graduated from Atoka High School in 1980. After graduation Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was granted rank of Private First Class and worked as a Bridge Specialist while he was stationed in Germany. He earned the Expert Badge with the Hand Grenade and the Marksmanship Badge with the M-16 rifle. Jeff enjoyed being stationed in Germany and his stories and pictures prove it. After his honorable discharge from active duty, he returned to Atoka. At the age of 23 he married Jana Hearrell and adopted son Robert. Together they also adopted son Billy Ladd. Jeff worked many trades in the years after his daughter, Erin, was born in 1986. Jeff worked as a lineman, over the road truck driver, and eventually found a spot within the Electric Shop at McAAP. During the early and mid 1990's he also served his state and country in the Oklahoma National Guard, and again enjoyed another brief term in Germany. It was at McAAP that Jeff found his true passion within the McAAP Fire Department. Jeff was a NREMT, Hazmat Technician, Driver (Engineer), and finally completed his career as Fire Inspector. He retired in April 2017 after 20 years of service in the Fire Department. He was a Mason and an honorary member of local VFW Post #1098 as well. Jeff became a grandfather at the age of 44 in 2006 and was just thrilled. He let it be known to all that he wished to be called "Gramps". Jeff had a lot of loves in life- he loved his kids and grandkids first and foremost. He also loved fishing, the Dallas Cowboys, OU Football, classic rock music, playing dominoes at the VFW, most anything his daughter Erin cooked-especially her pecan pie and biscuits and gravy, The History Channel, old western movies, and having a beer with friends or neighbors. Jeff loved a good joke and he had a generous heart. He knew our Lord Jesus as his personal savior and was confident in going to heaven in the afterlife. Jeff Ladd was one of a kind. He walked with an easily recognizable- from- a- distance type of swag, had an unforgettable laugh, smiled with the sweetest blue eyes with yellow around the iris, and certainly had a great and sometimes raunchy sense of humor. He was a great father, Gramps, and friend. There is no other like him in the world and he will be dearly missed by all.

Gerald Jeffrey Ladd is preceded in death by biological father James William "JW" Colburn, biological mother Sarah Crihfield, brother Dewayne Colburn, nephew Jeffrey Burrough, grandmother Emily Hackett, adoptive father Jim Ladd, and adoptive mother Mary Lou Ladd.

He is survived by daughter Erin Disseler (Ladd) and husband David and their sons Kevin and Connor Disseler of Springfield, MO; son Robert Ladd and wife Tanya and their sons Exodus, Eagan, and Ewan of Chickasha, OK; son Billy Ladd, brother Jim and wife Glenda Burrough of Colcord, OK; nephew Jeremy Burrough, niece Christie Bennet, and many other friends and family in the communities of McAlester and Atoka.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Oak Hill Cemetery.  After the service the family will receive friends for a reception at the VFW Post #1098 at 1426 NW Morris Ave. in McAlester.