David L. Ledbetter

David Lendol Ledbetter, former resident of Terrell, passed away December 2, 2025 surrounded by family. He was born June 28, 1948 in Wichita Falls to Thurman Lendol and Sybil Louise Ledbetter, both of whom preceded him in death along with other family including his wife, Mary; sister, Janelle Lott; brother-in-law, Bill Marshall and sister-in-law, Pat Sparks. David was a part of the Terrell High School Class of 1967. During that year, he entered the U.S. Navy and where he served with honor and distinction from 1967 until 1973 on the aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea. After his honorable discharge in ‘73, David began his stories and respected career fighting fires when he joined the University Park Fire Dept. His skill at serving his community as well as his company, units, battalions and fire houses was well known and highly respected. David was not only adept at making sure the city residents were safe, he was just as committed to his fellow firefighter’s safety. After 35 years, he retired from UPFD as Fire Chief in 2008 having left a legacy of selfless commitment that current fire personnel are still proud to carry on. While working at the FD, David attended El Centro Community College and always valued learning throughout his lifetime. From 1980-1983, he was on staff as a teacher at Dallas Fire Academy where, once again, his dedication to learning how to be the best in firefighting was easily seen in every student that entered his classes. Having a heart for his hometown, David served on the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department for many years and could be counted on to join any emergency need and keeping those he cared for safe. When not working, he loved spending time with his family, especially his children. Watching each of them grow into adults who held the same high regard for honesty, integrity and service was a blessing that made David’s heart full. His many stories of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren were freely shared and always welcome. After retiring, he made sure to slow down a bit and enjoy the days by spending time at his happy place-his farm near Athens where he enjoyed raising cattle, deer hunting and a little bit of gardening. A man who exemplified the dedication of life in service to his family and others, David will be forever missed and never forgotten. He leaves his memory to be forever cherished by his wife, Jennifer Ledbetter of Union Valley; sons: Jeremy Ledbetter and wife, Deanna, Barrett Ledbetter and wife, Michelle, Bradley Ledbetter and wife, Jenna and daughter, Evelyn Ledbetter. David is also survived Amara McWilliams, whom he lovingly considered to be his daughter; his grandchildren: Matthew, Layton, Victoria, Lorelei and Spencer; siblings: Raymond Sparks and wife, Tootsie, Patsy Marshall, Janette Simons and husband, Bobby, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, his fellow firefighters and a host of friends. A celebration of David’s life and legacy will be at 11:00am, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Terrell with honors rendered by the fire departments where he served. His family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am to service time. An inurnment will follow at D/FW National Cemetery with honors provided by the US Navy at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that anyone who wishes to send a gift please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.cff.org/donate or Make-A-Wish Foundation at https://wish.org/give-hope-granting-life-changing-wishes-0?form=FUNGRDTBXXR&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=mw-ads-google-search-brand-d2d-evergreen-0825&SubSource=mw-ads-google-search-brand-d2d-evergreen-0825-sl1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20354973518&gbraid=0AAAAADtkmajnM9pvMhl_FAS1jKKNsV-iq&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8TJBhDNARIsAPX5qxStW3CrdIYiUlQ58Q3wf7GTpj2tOmcu30PIxecMrsafPtk53Um7hnEaApSEEALw_wcB

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David L. Ledbetter

June 28, 1948 - December 2, 2025