Orville Harold Ladehoff

Orville Harold Ladehoff passed away the way he lived, on his own terms at the age of 83 on December 22, 2025. He passed in the comfort of his own bed, in the house where he was born and raised, surrounded by the memories of a lifetime.

Born January 7, 1942, in Amarillo, TX, to Harold and Ruffine (nee Wagner) Ladehoff, Orville was a true son of the land. From the moment he was born, he embraced the life of a farmer. When he wasn't out plowing fields, sowing wheat, building fences, welding, or repairing equipment, Orville was an active member of the United Methodist Church. His commitment to both work and community was unwavering. He attended school in Canyon, TX, and after graduating from Canyon High School, he went to West Texas State University while participating in ROTC. Orville also drove the school bus during his high school years.

In 1963, Orville met Grace Williams at Paramount Community Church. Though Grace swore she’d never marry a farmer, fate had other plans, and they married on May 31, 1968. Together, they raised a family while sharing a love for the land, family, and community.

Known by many as “everyone’s farmer friend,” Orville had a special gift for bringing people together. Whether he was dispensing fireball jawbreakers at church, crafting wooden trays and sculptures, or creating art installations from bicycles, he always found a way to bring joy to others. His works included the Bicycle Tree Sculpture at the entrance to the Rick Klein Trails, and the iconic Combine City, 14 "planted" combines along the Claude Highway. He loved to make a good fire in a fire pit or campfire and would clandestinely toss on a solo cup of old gas or stale diesel to give everyone an explosive thrill. He lived to throw parties for every occasion from Tacky Parties to family reunions to forty-plus years of Fourth of July parties complete with mud bowl football, hayrides and of course, fireworks.

Grace preceded him in death on April 2, 2016. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jean Roseann, and his parents.

Orville is survived by a daughter, Cesslie Burns and her husband, Dean Burns; a son, Glenn Ladehoff and his wife, Hedy, and a granddaughter, Juniper; his sister, Harolena Powell and husband, George, and their children who fondly knew him as “Uncle Coke," and numerous cousins and friends and a fierce, 18yr barn cat who made it into the house, Puddy.

A service will be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 11:30am at the First Church of the Nazarene 5201 S Soncy RD, Amarillo, TX 79119.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Orville's honor to Faith City Mission, League House, Panhandle Paws of Hope, or High Plains Hospice. Orville's legacy of kindness, creativity, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a true testament to living life on one’s own terms, and he will be greatly missed.