Elba W. Ladson

Elba Ladson, age 83, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana, surrounded by family. He was born November 12, 1942, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the son of Melvin Ladson and Grace Blackburn Ladson Jerrell. He married Nita Shidler September 1, 1979, and she survives.

There are some people who leave a mark on a community simply by being themselves. For Lawrenceville, that man was Elba Ladson.

Elba was a hardworking and versatile businessman who owned and operated both Shell and Marathon service stations in Lawrenceville. Throughout his career, he also served as a Shelter Insurance agent and worked as a skilled carpenter, taking great pride in his woodworking abilities. Many in the community will fondly remember him as the familiar “Schwan Man,” whose friendly presence brightened the day of those he served. Elba was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Christian Church and a member of the Moose. He found great enjoyment in fishing, sharing his knowledge of nature and the outdoors with others, and reading cookbooks.

Known by many as one of the toughest men around, he carried a strength that was matched only by his kindness. He never met a stranger and would help anyone in need, often giving without expecting anything in return. Those who knew him knew that if you needed a hand, a meal, or simply someone to talk to, he would be there.

He loved to cook and was always looking through cookbooks for the next recipe to try. Whether he was preparing a meal for family or sharing food with friends, cooking was one of the ways he showed his love. He also enjoyed fishing, finding peace on the water and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren. He cherished every moment he spent with them. Through the years, while helping his wife Nita at her daycare, he could often be found holding babies, playing with children, and offering comfort to little ones who quickly came to love him. He earned the title of “Papaw” not only from his own grandchildren but from countless children throughout Lawrenceville.

Many people will remember seeing him sitting at Walmart, watching the world go by and striking up conversations with anyone who happened to pass by. A simple trip to the store often turned into an opportunity to make a new friend. His warm smile, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome.

Though he was known for his toughness, those closest to him knew his heart was even bigger. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, laughter, and love that will live on through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Lawrenceville has lost one of its own, but his memory will continue to live in the stories shared, the meals prepared, and in every child who was lucky enough to call him Papaw.

Preceding Elba in death were his parents; siblings, Robert “Doc” Jerrell and Annabell Leib; great-grandchild, Bennett Ladson.

Survivors include: his wife, Nita; children, Tina Loudermilk of Cairo, Georgia, Bryan (Traci) Ladson of Lawrenceville, Casey (Justin) Kotter of Vincennes, Indiana, Cody (Elysia) Ladson of Washington, Indiana; sibling, Vergil (Vicki) Jerrell of Lawrenceville; nine grandchildren, Aaron (Iris) Loudermilk, Andrea (Jeff) Reavis, Tiffany (Cale) Demel, Nathan (Shyloh) Ladson, Grace (Brayden) Kotter, Isaac Kotter, Kate Kotter, Cody Austin Ladson and Kingston Ladson; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are currently pending.