Dennis Ladd has passed away .

Jay Arnold says His nephew plans to have a celebration of life gathering sometime this fall in New Braunfels.

Larry says Jay Arnold mentioned how good he was and how unfortunate he was with the debilitating injuries.

Larry continues “When I recently asked several Longhorns from the early '70s to name a few teammates who stood out for toughness, Lonnie Bennett said, ‘Dennis Ladd was probably the toughest individual I've ever known’."

Godspeed, Dennis.

Larry Carlson

Dennis was a proud man caught in awful circumstances. He struggled with many health issues in his life journey. In October 2014, Dennis decided to reach out to many former Longhorn student-athletes for help with the following email.

It was sad to hear that Dennis has passed on. He was a trustworthy teammate. He would give you the shirt off his back to support his friends, family and teammates.

He was a tough north-south type of runner who was difficult to tackle. I have the highest respect for him and condolences to his loved ones.

Tip of the hat to you Dennis! 

Sincerely,

Stan Mauldin

 Dear Horns, 

​This is Dennis Ladd, and I was in the 1970 recruiting class.  I am in dire need of a pain specialist and a rheumatologist. A pain specialist that can accept Superior Medicaid is the most urgent, or any doctor that can prescribe narcotics. I can pay a reduced fee, depending on the amount. I am on social security disability and get a check for $721.00 a month.   I have had both knees replaced and one hip replacement. I am scheduled to have the other hip replaced soon. I have had surgery on both shoulders and both of my hands. I have been disabled since 1990. I have rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and am in constant severe pain. These problems all go back to my playing days at UT. I was a two-year letterman and could not play my senior year because the doctors warned me not to. Thanks in advance for any help you can come up with. Hope you are doing well. Hook 'Em Horns. God bless all ​of you for the work you are doing to help others.

In November 2014, he finally got his appointment to see a pain specialist.

In December of 2014, with little income and poor health, he shared with many that he could not pay the property tax on his home.  Fifteen teammates responded to his plea for help and raised enough to pay his property tax for two years.

The financial reprieve gave him time to objectively and successfully sell his property under no duress or desperation. The proceeds helped him survive economically, but his health issues and pain remained.

Billy:

    Mike Cromeens, Bob Tresch, and I,  (1970 Freshmen with Dennis), attended the services in Dallas) and attended the memorial gathering for Dennis at Herbert’s in New Braunfels Saturday afternoon.

Two of his nieces asked me to express their appreciation to “Mr. Dale” for helping Dennis several years ago to “save his home.” Quite a few of Dennis’ friends from his fishing lure collection and trading days were there, as well as his nieces and their families.  Jay Arnold

The TLSN Mission

TLSN serves two missions. One is chronicling the history of all Longhorn NCAA-sanctioned sports. The second is a compassionate component offering those who qualify a temporary financial safety net.  

Dennis Ladd’s health status was one of the inspirations behind Benny Pace, Jim Kay, and Billy Dale forming a 501 ( c ) (3) tax-exempt in 2017.  While I can’t speak for Benny or Jim, Dennis’s need for assistance was an epiphany moment for me.

There is no reason that any former Longhorn student-athlete who helped build the Longhorn brand should be forgotten when a crisis occurs.

The current TLSN Board, composed of Benny Pace, Jim Kay, Chairwoman Beth Coblentz, Billy Dale, and Sherryl Hauglum, are committed to making sure that no former Longhorn student-athlete, manager, or trainer is forgotten in time of need.  

Please pass the TLSN mission forward to your friends who qualify as part of the former Longhorn student-athletes, manager, and trainer network.