Nelson B. Ladd Jr.

Nelson B. Ladd Jr., 88, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2015. He was born October 5, 1927 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Nelson B. Ladd, Sr. and Laura Hayes Ladd. He graduated from Newport High School and attended Arkansas State University. Mr. Ladd was a Navy Veteran of WWII in Guam. After the war he began his career with Esso (Exxon) in 1948. Years later he went into business as an Oil Jobber. He was president of the Arkansas Oil Marketers and president of Eden Isle Corporation. In 1986 Mr. Ladd was appointed the Commissioner of the Arkansas Highway Department of Transportation. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the United Methodist Church in Heber Springs. He loved to travel, camp, boating on the Norfork Lake and Greers Ferry Lake, flying airplanes and hunting. He enjoyed being with his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Ladd is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lola Mae Ladd, daughters Renee Branton of Conway, Arkansas, Nelda Connell of Brownsville, Tennessee, son-in-law Monte Connell, four grandchildren Melanie Sprenkle (Adam), Michelle Lee (Tommy), Monte Connell, Jr. (Anna), Scott Nelson Branton (Kara) and nine great-grandchildren. There will be a private memorial service. To sign the online guest book please visit: www.olmstead.cc.