“We didn’t lose the game; we just ran out of time.”

~ Vince Lombardi

Ever the competitor, Marion Ladd fully intended to celebrate his 100th birthday on Christmas Day, 2025.

As one of the last members of the Greatest Generation, his remarkable life stretched from the Great Depression and WWII into the age of digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Marion Donald Ladd and his twin brother, Daniel Don, were born on December 25, 1925, in Matheson, Colorado, to Charles Edward and Bertha Blanche Dibler Ladd. They joined older siblings Glen, Veta, and Vernon to complete the family.

Raised in West Texas and Norwood, Colorado, Marion discovered early on a lifelong love for athletics. That passion carried him all the way to the University of Wyoming, where he played running back in the school’s very first bowl game appearance–the 1951 Gator Bowl. Wyoming not only competed, they won, 20-7.

Just days later, on January 10, 1951, he married the love of his life, Renee Kocherhans.

Marion went on to coach high school football, basketball, and track, while also playing league volleyball, basketball, and softball. He pitched his last softball games the summer he turned 66, closing out a long and spirited competitive career.

And then there was golf–his great pastime for decades. Even after being diagnosed with macular degeneration, he refused to give up the game. “Most athletic games are limited by age,” he liked to say, “but not golf. One can play forever.” He did just that, holding a course membership until last year and showing up several times a week, even if only to hit a few balls.

Beyond athletics, Marion devoted himself to community service. He served for many years as an elected school board member and contributed to other civic organizations, always striving to be a force for good in the lives of those around him.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as Bishop in Sheridan, Wyoming, fulfilled a mission with Renee in the Houston East Mission, worked as a temple ordinance worker, and accepted countless callings to teach, lead, and serve.

Marion also carried a deep love for music. As an adult he taught himself piano chords, played the guitar, and sang with joy. He joined barbershop quartets, performed solos, and most of all, cherished gathering his family around the piano for music that filled both the room and their hearts.

Together, he and Renee shared 61 beautiful years. They raised five children–Christel (Rod) White, Cindy Stone, Marcus (Chrissy) Ladd, Becky (Lloyd) Larimore, and Anni (Kyle) Scott–and celebrated the growth of a posterity that included 27 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren. Family was his greatest joy.

He is preceded in death by his beloved Renee; his daughter, Victoria Humphrey; grandchildren, Shane Larimore and Jenna Taylor; and great-grandsons, Aaron LeBaron and Trevin Braithewaite.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 365 South, 900 East, Orem, Utah.