Kenneth Russell Ladd, 44, of Shady Side passed away December 18, 2014 in Baltimore, MD. He was born June 30, 1970 in Portsmouth, VA to Thomas William and Patricia Anne (Bratt) Ladd. Ken was raised in Shady Side and attended Shady Side Elementary, and Southern Middle and High Schools, graduating in 1988. As a teenager, Ken was a volunteer firefighter at Station 41 in Avalon Shores. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy on July 25, 1988, earning the National Defense Service Medal. Ken completed his reserve obligation and was honorably discharged on July 13, 1996. Ken married Georgia Kay Chaney on July 22, 1995 and they briefly lived in North Beach before building a home in Shady Side. Ken worked as a firefighter at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis and on August 26, 1993, he began his career with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. He rose to Lieutenant and worked at many stations including West Annapolis, Deale, Glen Burnie and Riva. Ken was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1563. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Baltimore Ravens and also enjoyed fishing, golf, boating, traveling and was an accomplished woodworker. Above all, Ken loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his children.

Ken is surviving by his devoted wife Georgia K. Ladd, son Andrew W. Ladd and daughter Sara A. Ladd. Also surviving are his parents Patricia A. and Thomas W. Ladd of Shady Side, sister Stephanie S. Younker of Shady Side, brothers Michael B. Ladd of Glen Burnie and Thomas Wayne Ladd of Shady Side and numerous cousins and other family members.