William Ladd McCarnan

Devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was very proud to serve his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS O’Brien DD725 Naval Destroyer as a combat veteran in Vietnam. William Ladd McCarnan, 79, of Mason, Ohio, died suddenly of congestive heart failure on 01/25/2025. 

He was born in Cincinnati in 1945 to Fred L. McCarnan Jr. and Ara Lillian McCarnan (nee DeSerisy). Ladd attended William Mason High School before enlisting in the Navy as a machinist mate. After the military, he worked 38+ years in maintenance for United Dairy Farmers before retiring. He was very social and loyal, making and maintaining friendships throughout his entire life. 

Ladd met the love of his life, Patty in 1965 by chance while on leave helping a friend work on a truck as she was returning home from work. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married April 2, 1966 in Lakewood, California.

Ladd and Patty couldn’t wait to start a family of their own. They have three children Michele Terry (Donnie), Scott (late Sherry Williams), Kelly Feld (Scott).

Though he loved shooting and visiting friends, Ladd’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured time with the grandkids and loved being their “Gramps”, never failing to attend all their events and be present in their lives. He is survived by 6 grandchildren, Danielle, Chris, DJ, Kayla, Blake and Jordan. 

Ladd had a soft spot for their furry friends (cats), treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were, especially 20 pound Emmett who needed extra care of insulin shots. 

Ladd has numerous friends that he has met throughout his years from lifelong childhood, school, military, work, neighbors, and the community. There are so many treasured stories/memories that have been shared.

Everyone who knew Ladd knew how much he loved shooting. From trap shooting at Middletown Sportsman Club with his dad to target shooting at Butler County each Monday.

Ladd will always be remembered for his precision and wanted everything to be just so and when it wasn’t well you can imagine... We’ll always imagine hearing him say “to the moon Alice” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better person, and will miss Ladd every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

Ladd was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his sisters Marilyn Wartig and Ellen Bonsall (Gaines), his wife, children and grandchildren.

Ladd donated his body to science. A celebration of life will be held on his birthday March 25th at James Third Base in Mason from 5-8pm. He would have been 80. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Butler County Sportsmen Rifle and Pistol Club, 2131 Millville Ave, Hamilton, OH 45013.