08/29/2026
Another dear member of the Grace Family has now met Jesus. Prayers for the Ladd Family.
William Taylor Ladd, 92
He graduated from Hartford City High School - Class of 1956
He and his wife were custodians at Grace Methodist Church, Hartford City, for many years
He raised cattle and farmed in Blackford County
He was a long time member at Grace Methodist Church, Hartford City, and a member of Blackford Masonic Lodge #106 F&AM.
William Taylor Ladd, 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Delphi.
He was born in Muncie on April 30, 1934, to Larries N. Ladd and Erma M. (Longerbone) Ladd. His parents preceded him in death.
Taylor graduated from Hartford City High School - Class of 1956.
He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958.
Taylor married Joan (Burnworth) Ladd on June 20, 1959, at Grace Methodist Church, Hartford City. She moved on to glory on April 9, 2023.
He retired from Delco Battery, Muncie, after 38 years of employment.
Taylor and his wife, Joan, were custodians at Grace Methodist Church, Hartford City, for many years.
He raised cattle and farmed in Blackford County.
Taylor enjoyed being outside and would walk 3 ½ miles, five days a week.
He was an avid bicyclist and rode his bike 10, 20 and 50 miles at a time. For instance, when he was 73 years old, he rode his bike 84 miles to Delphi.
Taylor was active leading Blackford County 4-H and was auction chairman.
He was a long time member at Grace Methodist Church, Hartford City, and a member of Blackford Masonic Lodge #106 F&AM.
Taylor will be sadly missed by his children, Lori and Dave Chesney, of Thamesford, Ontario, and Todd and Rhonda Ladd, of Delphi; grandchildren, David (Kelli) Chesney, Joshua (Michelle) Chesney, Meghan (Thomas Gronmyr) Chesney, Jordan Ladd, Elijah Ladd and Hannah Ladd; great-grandchildren, Emma Chesney, Georgia Chesney, Isabelle Chesney, Lucy Chesney, Patrick Chesney, Sean Chesney and Josephine Gronmyr; in-laws, June Ladd, Jane Burnworth and Ted and Kelly Burnworth; several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Donald Ladd, sister, Susan Johnson, and in-laws, Bob Johnson and Joe Burnworth.
A funeral service honoring the life of Taylor will be on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. John Barton officiating, at Grace Methodist Church, 312 W. Washington St., Hartford City.
Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the service.
Burial will follow the service at Hartford City Cemetery.
Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N. High St., Hartford City, is entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Grace Methodist Church, 312 W. Washington St., Hartford City, IN 47348 or Delphi Methodist Church, 1796 N. US 421, Delphi, IN 46923.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.keplingerfuneralhome.com or our Keplinger Funeral Home page.
