Ladelle Jefferson Futch

We mourn the passing of Ladelle Jefferson Futch, of Valley Station, KY, on November 19, 2025 at the age of 94. Born on February 9, 1931 in Farmerville, Louisiana to Ladell and Donie (Hollis) Futch, Ladelle’s life exemplified his favorite Bible passage to “. . . do Justice, love Mercy, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)

He shared a deep and abiding love with Patricia, his wife, (Anne Culbertson), who preceded him in death, as did his parents, his brother Jerold, and a son, Gary. Ladelle is survived by his children, Cecelia (Richard Rogow), Stephen (Carolyn), David (Sandy), nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly.

Ladelle was a true renaissance man having been a minister, a writer, a youth leader, a bookkeeper, and quite an adventurer. The church was central in his life and he was known as a theologically deep thinker and life-long teacher/learner. He reveled in complex theological discussions and debate as he sought to deepen his own faith and spiritual life. Ladelle was a man of prayer and devotion to a simple life. His church home was Bethany United Methodist Church since 1968 when the family relocated to Kentucky.

Ladelle’s adventures led him, along with his family, into the outdoors camping and backpacking throughout the country from the high Rocky Mountains out west and Smoky Mountains of Appalachia, to the swamps of the deep south and the rocky coasts of the Northeast, to the arid Southwest and countless trips crisscrossing the midsection of this country. Possibly Ladelle’s favorite pastime during his later years was to regale family and friends with stories of his many exciting and often awe-inspiring adventures. Everyone around him loved to hear the stories of his travels.

Ladelle’s presence will be greatly missed by many, but we rest in the assurance that he has joined his loved ones in eternal peace after a long life well-lived.

The family invites you to join us as we celebrate his life and mourn his passing. Visitation will be at Newcomer Cremations Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY, on Friday December 12, 2025 beginning at 11:00am, followed by the funeral service at 1:00pm. Internment will be at Bethany Cemetery.

Following the service, everyone is invited to join the family in a lunch receptions at Bethany United Methodist Church, 6100 Moorman Road, Valley Station, KY.

To leave a special memory of Ladelle for the family, please visit the "Guestbook" below.