Laddie Ripple

It is with overwhelming sadness and loss that we announce the loss of Laddie Ripple.  Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He passed from the earthly realm on D-Day, June 6, 2024, a fitting final day on earth for this WWII Vet.  He was 101 years young and passed peacefully surrounded by family.  

Laddie was born in Shiner, Texas on October 11, 1922 to the parents of Joseph W Ripple and Rozalie M (Pavel) Ripple.  He was drafted into the Army in December of 1942 and served the length of the war fighting in the pacific campaign as a radio operator.  He told the story of how he and the other single soldiers had to stay on for over a year after the war so that men with families could go home first.   He thought of staying in the Philippines, because of how sea sick he got on the trip over, but “had to see his Mamma again” and thankfully he did.

He returned to the states and attended the University of Texas, Austin for two years where he studied to become a pharmacist.  Unfortunately, due to financial reasons he had to quit and obtained a job with E.A. Whitney as a pile driver that took him to Tullahoma, Tennessee.  There he decided to attend a dance one night and met the love of his life Doris J (Quick) Ripple.  After a whirlwind romance they married 6 months later, back in his home state of Texas and started a family welcoming the birth of a daughter and a son.  

Another job opportunity brought the family to Colorado working for Rockwell International as a Sr Lab Technician inspecting triggers for atomic weapons.  While in Colorado Laddie and Doris welcomed another daughter to their family.  They stayed in Colorado 32 years until their retirement in 1987, when they moved back to Fayetteville, Texas where they took up raising cattle.

Laddie is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Doris Ripple of Fayetteville Tx, Son Laddie Dean Ripple of Tullahoma TN, daughter Joyce Lynn Curley of Wellington, CO along with 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by Daughter Rose Era Lundeen and Grandson Sam Lundeen, 7 siblings and his parents.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 2024 at the Fayetteville Brethren Church starting at 10:30 a.m. with interment to follow at the church cemetery.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange.  The family will be present from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and they welcome all family, friends and Veterans that would like to pay their respects.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fayetteville Brethren Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange, Texas.  Share your thoughts and fond memories online at www.fayettememorialfuneralhome.com.