08/13/2026
Garald Henry Ledeboer
Garald Henry âBudâ Ledeboer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of his Lord, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at the age of 98, surrounded by the love and care of his family. He left this earthly life listening to the great hymns of the faith, entering his heavenly home with the assurance of being reunited with his beloved wife, Harriet, and rejoicing with his Savior.
Bud was born October 1, 1927, to Charles and Anna Ledeboer in Minnesota. He was one of twelve Ledeboer children who grew to adulthood and was raised on the family farm, where he learned the values that would characterize his life: hard work, perseverance, humility, and service.
After earning a degree in engineering, Bud served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. Following his military service, Bud decided that he had endured enough of Minnesota's cold winters and made his way to Texas. There, he began a long and distinguished career with LTV Aerospace Engineering, where he worked for his entire professional life. Among the many accomplishments of his career, Bud was proud to have played a part in the engineering and design of the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
In 1955, Bud met the love of his life, Harriet Killebrew. They were married on December 24, 1955, and shared 58 wonderful years together. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, faithfulness, family, and devotion. Though Harriet preceded him in death, Bud carried her love with him throughout the years until they were reunited in heaven.
Bud's greatest treasures were never found in his career or accomplishments, but in his faith and his family. He loved God deeply and faithfully served Him throughout his life. Bud and Harriet were longtime members of First Baptist Church Irving, beginning in 1955. He served his church as both a deacon and an elder and was known for his gentle heart, quiet strength, and servant's spirit. He lived his faith not simply in words, but in the way he cared for others.
Bud was a devoted father to Glen and his wife, Vicki; Lisa; Jennifer, His last surviving sibling, Lois Cook. He was a much-loved grandfather to Marcus and his wife, Lauren; Kristin and her husband, Duncan; Ben; Andrew; and Dylan. His five great-grandchildrenâEthan, Olivia, Ellie, Graham, and Harrisonâbrought him tremendous joy.
Outside of work and church, Bud enjoyed the simple pleasures of a well-lived life. He loved woodworking, fishing, and traveling with Harriet in their motorhome, making memories and seeing the country together. But above all, he loved God and his family.
Bud will be remembered as a great man of faith with a gentle heart, a servant's spirit, a sharp mind, and a deep love for his family. His life was one of quiet faithfulnessâfaithfulness to his country, his work, his church, his wife, his children, and his Lord.
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and family that will continue through the generations. While his family will miss him dearly, they take comfort in knowing that Bud has finished his earthly journey and is now home with his Savior, reunited with Harriet, and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord he loved and served so faithfully.
The family wants to thank the members of First Baptist Church for their love for Dad; and for Three Oaks Hospice for their care. A particular thank you for his faithful hospice nurse, Nadine, who provided great comfort for the family.
He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith.2 Timothy 4:7
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