As the sun was preparing to rise on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, David Ladd, 88, a lifelong Evart resident, was welcomed to his Heavenly home and reunited with his beloved wife, Diane, after residing the last few months at Divine Living Center, in Mt. Pleasant. On July 4, 1937 in Evart, MI, David was born the eldest of seven children of Herbert and Marvel (Gibson) Ladd. In 1955, David graduated from Evart High School and went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962.?

Upon returning home, David dedicated many years of hard work to Evart Products. He was a kind man of many talents, known for his ingenuity and ability to fix just about anything. He was a man of integrity who wouldn't hesitate to help anyone that was in need and collected rocks and stones that he designed with.?

David’s life changed forever when he was introduced to Diane Priest. He often remarked that "It only took one date to be hooked for 56 years". They were married in Clare on October 29, 1966, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church and built a life in Evart where they raised their children. They were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later found comfort at Crossroads Community Church. David is now joyfully reunited in his Heavenly home with his beloved Diane.

David is survived by: son, Mark of Mt. Pleasant; son-in-law, Dave Corell of Clare; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Derek) Holbeck and Michael Corell; brother, Terry Ladd; a sister, Marilyn Ladd and many extended family and friends.

David was also welcomed home by: daughter, Cheryl Corell; four brothers, Keith, Kenneth, Dale and Norris Ladd and his parents, Herb and Marvel.

Memorials in David’s name can be made to the choice of the donor. A memorial service is being planned for after the new year at Corey Funeral Home with visitation an hour prior. Military honors will be held under the auspices of VFW Post 7979 and AmVet Post 11 of Evart. He will be laid to rest in the spring at Forest Hill Cemetery, Evart. Share a memory, light a candle or offer words of comfort online at www.coreyfuneralhome.com. Service information will be updated once it becomes available.