Jacob Conway "Jake" LEDBETTER Jr.

1926 - 2015

BORN

1926

DIED

2015

Jacob LEDBETTER Obituary

LEDBETTER Jr.,
Jacob Conway "Jake"
A loving tribute to Jacob Conway Ledbetter, Jr., born April 18, 1926, who left his earthly body Saturday, September 19th, 2015 at his apartment in Austin, Texas surrounded by his family. He was simply wonderful and we will miss him.

Jake was born in Franklin, NC and grew up raising pigeons and rabbits to put meat on the table along with the occasional squirrel. He and his brother also sold dressed rabbits door-to-door for a time. Asked why his family had pigeons instead of chickens, he said, "Pigeons were free!" He was the middle of three children born to Jacob C. (J.C.) Ledbetter and Genevieve Bartlett.

He met Ethel Ann Cramer in Houston, Texas while an Air Force cadet in Navigator training at Ellington AFB and she was in nursing school. Their 62 years of marriage and commitment to one another was a testament of strength, faith and character. They had three children; Jaan Cramer, Lizanne Bartlett and Jacob Conway (Jay), III. Jake served 25 years in the military, including three in Madrid, Spain. After Madrid he was stationed at Offutt AFB in Omaha where he supported the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing which had responsibility for the Air Force Strategic Air Command's Operation Looking Glass, the airborne command and control system. Rather than go to Vietnam with the possibility of a promotion, Jake retired in 1970 as a Lt. Colonel and moved his family to Texas.

Jake lived the rest of his life in and near Austin where he had a second career as an auditor with the Texas Education Agency. He and Ann designed and built their home on Lake Travis in the Briarcliff community and later enjoyed living and playing on the golf course at Onion Creek Club. Jake was a steady presence and an entertainer at heart. Always chosen to act as Master of Ceremonies at any gathering, those who he roasted were in for a treat. He and his talented wife, Ann, would form a duet, she on piano and Jake keeping time; they would sing their heart out just for the sheer joy of it. And leading a sing-a-long, put Jake in his element. Jake and Ann shared undying love and gave their lives to their families and their community. The two of them relished every moment of life while they traveled far and wide always returning home refreshed with stories to tell.

In April of this year, friends and family gathered to bid farewell to Ann on his 89th birthday weekend. Looking back, we feel that this monumental gathering served as his memorial as well. We were surprised that day when Jake, as frail as he was, got up to speak about his love for and life with Ann. He said he wouldn't change a thing. Just six weeks before his passing, Jake traveled with his daughter and granddaughter to Branson, MO to attend the Cramer Reunion where over forty members of Ann's family gathered.

One of the major tenets of his faith was, Live and Let Live. In the last years, he was determined to retain his dignity and refused every EMS offer of a ride to the ER. He remained at home where he would die on his own terms. God Speed Daddy! Until we meet again, we will live by your motto, "Press On!" although our lives will never be the same.

Jake is survived by his younger brother, David Ledbetter of Delray Beach, FL. He is also survived by his son, Jacob (Jay) C. Ledbetter III, daughter-in-law Michelle and granddaughters Jesse Ann and Sami Jean; as well as his daughter, Lizanne McClenon, son-in-law Charles (Chuck) McClenon and granddaughters Clara, Lee and Marci. To share memories and condolences with the family visit Legacy.com. We invite all his friends who want to do something to celebrate Jake's life, to enjoy what he did, go to Baskin & Robbins and get yourself a quality milkshake!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Sep. 25 to Sep. 28, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacob LEDBETTER

2 Entries

Sherry Bridge

September 28, 2015

I never knew Jake or Ann personally but my family shares several rather unique memories with them.

Our family moved into the same house where the Ledbetters had lived in Las Palomas, outside of Madrid, Spain in 1965. I remember (as a 10 year old) being so impressed with Ann's artwork (which had not yet been packed, at the time we first visited the house).

And, amazingly, years later we would discover that Ann and Jake lived across Lake Travis from the home my parents built on Lake Travis. My parents, Glen and Nell Bridge, enjoyed many social events with Ann and Jake over the years.

It saddens me that Ann and Jake have passed but, I know they shared a wonderful life together for 62 years.

Also rather amazing, my parents also passed this last year (Dad-Glen Bridge 10/10/14 and Mom-Nell Bridge 7/24/15) and also shared a wonderful life together of almost 70 years.

As their children, I know we share fabulous travels with and memories of our parents but, I know we also share a sadness and emptiness like we have never felt before.

My sincere & caring thoughts go out to the Ledbetter family, as they go through the loss of their parents.

I'm so glad I noticed the article in the paper on Sunday.

Sherry Bridge

Janice Gagr

September 26, 2015

What I will miss most was Jake's wonderful voice, heard when he conducted sing-a-longs. He had a great sense of humor, which often tickled Ann, making them such an endearing couple. We will miss him, as we do her, but we know they are together forever now.

With sincere condolences, Janice and Bill Gage

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