Gilbert Charles "Gibby" Ledyard Jr

Gilbert Charles "Gibby" Ledyard Jr. of Dallas, Texas passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016. Born on January 25, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri to Gilbert Charles Ledyard Sr. and Lillian Buchanan Ledyard. The family moved to Dallas when Gibby was eight years old, where he graduated from Highland Park High School. He attended the University of Texas before entering the United States Navy during WW II.

He became a Navy Pilot serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He was a Lt. Commander, piloting a hospital ship with wounded soldiers from Okinawa and Iwo Jima, transporting them to hospitals in the United States. Lt. Ledyard landed the first American plane on Japanese soil after the surrender by the Japanese.

Upon leaving the Navy in December of 1944, Gibby pursued his career in real estate. In July, 1959, Mr. Ledyard joined Henry C. Beck Company General Contractors where he became Vice President, Real Properties, and served for 50 years.

Mr. Ledyard served for 25 years on the Board of Trustees for the Genesis Women's Shelter and Austin Street Shelter for the homeless.

He was a life member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and a member of the Dallas Country Club.

Gibby will always be remembered for his sense of humor, love of laughter and passion for hunting.

He was preceeded in death by his parents and brother Neil Ledyard.

Mr. Ledyard is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dolores; daughter, Deen Ellen Ledyard; son, Gary and wife Coco; son, Martin and wife Julia; and son Kim Cotten. Grandpa Gibby is survived by nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016, 2:00 PM at Sparkman-Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel followed by burial with Military Honors.

If desired, memorials may be made to Genesis Women's Shelter, Austin Street Shelter, UT Southwestern Medical School or charity of your choice.

Gibby loved his Country, Family, Work and his Friends.