Charles Ladd Smith

Beloved husband, father, friend and great American citizen, Charles Ladd Smith, 91, of Big Spring passed peacefully at home Thursday, December 20^th with his devoted wife of 69 years, Betty, by his side.  Memorial Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Big Spring on Thursday, December 27^th at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm prior to the service.Ladd was born April 10, 1927 to Ruby and Luke Felton Smith. He is survived by three children;  Celia L Milner of San Diego, Nancy Lynn Smith of Haiku, Hawaii, and David Batton Smith and wife, Terri-Lin of Highland Village; 2 grandchildren, Tiffany Smith Messerli and husband, Ian of Denton,  and Starr and Katie Skinner of San Diego, California;  3 great-grandchildren, Vaughn Batton Smith, Cooper Ladd and Lucy Beth Skinner;  and many caring nephews and nieces.He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Doris Buchanan and Ruby Anderson; and 4 brothers, Payton Smith, Robert Smith, Luke Felton Smith, Jr. and William Howard Smith.Ladd graduated Big Spring High School in 1945 and joined the Navy that same year. He served honorably in the Pacific as a ships carpenter and helped transport troops home after the war.  Subsequent to discharge, he attended Howard College, played on the basketball team and graduated in the first class of 1947.Ladd continued his education at North Texas State University and married the love of his life, Betty Jo Stuteville in July of 1949. After teaching high school mathematics in Littlefield, Ladd and Betty moved back to Big Spring and Ladd went to work for Cosden Petroleum June of 1951.  In 1963, Ladd and Betty and their three children moved to Dallas and Ladd continued his distinguished 38 year career with American Petrofina, N.A. until his retirement and return to Big Spring in 1989.Retirement freed Ladd to serve one term on the Big Spring City Council from May 1991 through May 1994.Ladd’s devotion and love of his church community at First United Methodist Church of Big Spring continued throughout his life. He and Betty were active members of the Preston Hollow Methodist Church in North Dallas where they served many years with the Methodist Youth Fellowship.Ladd loyally served the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life earning his Eagle Badge in Troop 3 in 1941. He was a Life Member of the Executive Committee Buffalo Council and served on the Advisory Board for over 25 years. He was recognized over the years for District Award of Merit, Good Scout Award, James E. Wood Fellowship, and received the highest honor the council can convey, the Silver Beaver Award in 1997.Ladd also became a Mason as soon as he was eligible at 21 on June 12^th, 1948.  He held many offices and earned many accolades within the organization. He served as the Commander of the Big Spring Commandery in 1957 and 2008, President of the Big Spring Shrine Club in 1961. He has also received both the Order of the Silver Trowel and the Order of the Golden Trowel, the highest honor a lodge can bestow.His stewardship also included his love of the great outdoors. He enjoyed many days avidly enjoying fishing, hunting, and golfing.  Ladd's love of mathematics led him to be a great domino and bridge player, pursuits he enjoyed all his life with friends and family.Memorial Contributions made be made to the Philathia Sunday School Class at First United Methodist, the H.L. Batton Scholarship Fund at Howard College or the charity of your choice.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.   ,