STRONG – Alton E. “Jake” Ladd, 87, of Strong, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, Sept. 1, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 12, 1920, in Strong, a son of Alton E. and Emma (Dickey) Ladd Sr. He was educated in Strong schools and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the European Theatre.

On Oct. 31, 1943, he eloped and married Mary Barker. She died on Dec. 4, 1988.

Jake was an outdoorsman whose employment throughout his lifetime included farming, working as a woodsman, truck driving and working as a heavy equipment driver for Maine Dowel. He was also a carpenter for Sully Greenwood and worked with the crew on building the Sugarloaf Inn.

A perfectionist, his talent and skill as a woodworker was evident in the many family heirlooms that he made including desks, rocking horses, gun cabinets and one-of-a-kind stands for camping gear.

He hunted and fished the local woods, lakes and streams and took great pride in his garden, often plowing the field to encourage an early thaw so that his peas could be planted in early April with a hopeful and successful July 4, harvest.

He is survived by five sons, David Ladd and Jeffrey B. Ladd, of Strong, Harland, and his wife, Tracy Ladd, of New Vineyard, Michael Ladd, and Timothy, and his wife, Sherra Ladd, of Strong; four daughters, Cheryl McCleery, and her husband, Alton, of Farmington, Alana York of Wilton, Nanette Ladd of Strong and Melinda Caton, and her husband, Richard, of Strong; one brother, Conrad Ladd, and his wife, Jenny, of Connecticut; two sisters, Glenys Gurski of Waterville and Diana Gilman of Florida; 24 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two sons, Lance Cpl. Bruce D. Ladd, who died Nov. 11, 1972, and Vernon A. Ladd who died Sept. 5, 1972; and siblings, Kenneth, Philip and Floyd Ladd and Frances Haggan and Louise Jellison.