Dr. Roy H. Ledbetter, Jr.

June 23, 1925 - December 12, 2006

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Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 |

Tuesday 12/19

A memorial service for Dr. Roy Harrison Ledbetter, Jr. will be he held at 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at First Presbyterian Church of Monroe with the Reverend Dr. Allison Moody officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Dr. Ledbetter was born on June 23, 1925 in Bessemer, Alabama and died on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at Stoney Brook Assisted Living Facility after a lengthy illness. Dr. Ledbetter was raised in Birmingham, Alabama where he attended Phillips High School. He loved sports, and lettered in football, basketball, and track. For years, he held the Alabama state high school records in the long jump and high hurdles. He graduated from Birmingham Southern College, where he was a member of the Omega Delta Kappa leadership and scholastic fraternity, and the Kappa Alpha social fraternity. He then attended Tulane University Medical School, where he earned academic honors and was elected to the AOA fraternity. He was also a member of Phi Chi social fraternity. After earning his M.D. degree, Dr. Ledbetter served his country as a medical officer in the United States Navy, including a one year stint in a M.A.S.H. unit during the Korean War. He returned to New Orleans to complete his orthopedic residency at Tulane University Medical School. In 1955, he moved to Monroe to join Dr. Faheam Cannon in the private practice of orthopedic surgery. They later joined with Dr. Frank Cline to found The Orthopedic Clinic of Monroe. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Ledbetter worked regularly for many years at the State of Louisiana Handicapped Children≠s Clinic in Monroe. From 1979 to 1985, he worked part-time at E.A. Conway Hospital, caring for the orthopedic patients, and teaching orthopedics to family practice and surgery resident physicians. In 1985, he retired from his private practice to serve full-time on the orthopedic clinical and teaching staff at E.A. Conway for the next five years. Dr. Ledbetter spent countless hours on the sidelines providing medical care for local football teams, especially Ouachita High School, ULM and Grambling State University. Dr. Ledbetter served as President of the Louisiana State Orthopedic Society, and was a member of the Mid-American Orthopedic Society, Clinical Orthopedic Society, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Ouachita Parish Medical Society, and several others. Dr. Ledbetter was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, where he was an elder and a member of the Board of Trustees. He also taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. He was a past president of the YMCA. He was a member of Bayou Desiard Country Club, where he served on the Board of Directors, including Tennis Chairman for many years. Dr. Ledbetter had many hobbies and interests. He was an accomplished woodworker, and built many beautiful pieces of furniture. He loved snow-skiing, golf, tennis, hunting, and water sports. He played third base and pitcher for his church softball team well into his fifties. No matter how busy he was, he rarely missed athletic events of his children and grandchildren. Dr. Ledbetter was preceded in death by his parents, Roy H. Ledbetter, Sr. and Mamie Joe Reid Ledbetter, of Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Ledbetter is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Helen Frances Land Ledbetter; four children, Dr. John Land Ledbetter and his wife Dee McDonald Ledbetter of Monroe, the Reverend Dr. Anne Reid Ledbetter and her husband, Keith McGowan of Wilmington, Delaware, Lee Harrison Ledbetter and partner Douglas John Meffert of New Orleans, Louisiana and Roy Norwood Woody Ledbetter of Hackberry, Louisiana; grandchildren, Evans McGowan, Lea McGowan, McDonald Ledbetter, Land Ledbetter, Mary Reid McGowan, Harrison Ledbetter, Jenny Ledbetter, Rachel Ledbetter, Preston Magouirk, and Lee Magouirk. He is also survived by his brother Reid Ledbetter and his wife Diane Wiggins Ledbetter of Grosse Ile, Michigan, and his sister Jane Ledbetter Northcutt of Birmingham, Alabama and by beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Stoney Brook Alzheimer≠s Care Assisted Living and Hospice Care of Louisiana for their care of Dr. Ledbetter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, 1201 Stubbs Avenue, Monroe, LA 71201. Online condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 | Map

Tuesday 12/19

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I just came across this obituary and saddened to hear the news though I had lost touch with Dr. Ledbetter in the late 1980's. I can without a doubt say that I am still alive today and the person I am today directly because of Dr. Ledbetter. I was born in 1973 in Bastrop, LA with Spina Bifida. Shortly after, I began visiting Louisiana Handicapped Children¬≠s Clinic in Monroe where Dr. Ledbetter was my doctor. He was always stern but kind in his treatment and didn't stand in the way of me doing or accomplishing whatever I had my heart set on at the time. He performed countless operations on me as a child attempting to make my life a little easier and a little more functional. I remember vividly one time when I broke my ankle skateboarding and upon examining the x-ray, he looked at me and said, 'Yep, it's broke. Now how you were skateboarding on a pair of crutches I'll never know...and I DON'T WANT to know....but you won't be doing it again anytime soon.' I'm also certain he became frustrated butting heads with my stubborn mother when they both knew what the right course of action medically was for me at the time or when she informed him that he would be doing something regarding my medical care and he was certain that he wasn't going to be doing it. He understood pretty quickly that it was usually best to not argue and just get it over with even if it was a compromise somewhere in the middle.So without a doubt, Dr. Ledbetter was instrumental in keeping me on my feet as a child and teen with Spina Bifida and we truly cared for each other beyond the doctor-patient relationship. While saddened by the news of his death, I am comforted by the knowledge of exactly where he is today and no longer in any pain or suffering here on earth. I look forward to seeing you once again Dr. Ledbetter and sharing stories of life and living with each other and thanking you once again for all you did for me through the years.

When I was a child in 1980, Dr. Ledbetter built arches in both of my feet. He was a wonderful man, larger than life, and was such a calming source of comfort to me, even as a child. The thing I remember most is his striking eyes and the kindness that was always in them. What a bedside manner he had! I am grateful that I had the chance to meet him and benefit from his expertise, and I am so very sorry for your loss.

My thought and prayers are with the Ledbetter family. Dr Ledbetter was my Doctor at Childrens Crippled Clinic. Because of him and God I am walking. I have some very fond memories of Dr Ledbetter. God Bless each of you.

We shall never forget the times we shared. Roy was a great man, a good man who was a credit to us all. We shall miss him, his quiet wisdom but we know that the lives he touched will live on. He is with us still!

Dear Helen and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers in this sad time, as you have been throughout Roy\'s long struggle. God bless, Kathy Stoner-Lasala former colleague of Ann\'s

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

blessings to you at this time of loss; may you share fond memories of your loved one Sharon Wert Elder Chestertown, Md

Dear Anne & Mrs. Ledbetter, I'm praying for your family at this difficult time. It is heart-wrenching to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer's. You feel so helpless as they slip away from you. But I found comfort in the fact that when they are gone from us physically, they have a renewed spirit and are made whole again. Just imagine the rejoicing that occurs! I hope for you all to be able to concentrate on where Dr. Ledbetter is now and remember all the happy times before he became so ill. Our memories are a great comfort. Remember that a little part of him will live on in each of you. He was such a remarkable man and did so much good in his lifetime. Anne, take care of yourself & I'll continue to pray for all of you.

Dear Helen, John, Dee, Woody, Land, Mac and Entire Family, My condolences. Roy was always so nice and respectful to me. Since of humor too. And what great contributions to community he made. If there is anything I can ever do for you please just let me know. I made a memorial contribution in his name to Forsythe Avenue Beautification for one of the "Forest Pansy" Redbud trees on Forsythe Avenue between 6th and 18th Streets. Sincerely yours, Steve

Dear Family of Dr. Roy Ledbetter, I share in your grief. I had many happy experiences with him in surgery and patient consultations. We also shared thoughts concerning sports injuries. He was a good friend. Respectfully, Dr. Baker

John, Woody, and the entire family of Dr. Roy Ledbetter: Dr. Ledbetter setting up his practice in Monroe was a blessing to the people of North Louisiana. Dr. Ledbetter was respected by everyone. I would like express my sincere symapthy to all in family. Sincerely, Bob Ledbetter

Dear Helen Frances and family, We were so sorry to hear about Roy. You and your family will be in our prayers at this difficult time. Lydia Robinson Speed Reid

Mrs. Ledbetter, I would like to give my sincere condolences in the loss of Dr. Roy. As you may know, Dr. Roy was my teacher at EA Conway several times in the 80's while I was in surgery residency. Though I had know him as I child he set a broken arm on me, it was during this period that I began to really understand what a fantastic individual he was - I learned a lot from him, and not just about orthopedics, but about proper manner for a surgeon to carry himself, etc. I wish I had had more time to know him better when I moved to Monroe, but my busy practice prcluded it, and by the time my practice slowed down, Dr. Roys' mind was going. I know the past few years have been very tough for you and your children dealing with Dr. Roys' diminishing capacities, but you all appear to have handled it as well as one can. Monroe has lost a bulwark of the community, both as a surgeon, elder of his church, and beloved father and husband. Take care that his suffering is over, and that you may rest from your vigil for him. I wish you peace and happiness in the coming years, and glowing memories of the days with your beloved husband. Sincerely, John M. Price M.D., Mary Framces, Meg, and Ben.

Helen: We were saddened to hear about Roy. He was truly a good christian man and gentleman. We send our love and concern to you and your family. We are also keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength in this difficult time. Love, Ed & Jo Ann land Charlotte

Dr. Ledbetter healed me twice in my life, once when I was 8 and again at 25 after a motorcycle accident. He was the absolute BEST!! May the Good Lord be with you all in these trying times. Jamie Rodman

Dr. John, I have known your Father my entire professional life. He was a wonderful Doctor and a great man. He will be missed by many people. My condolences to you, your sweet Mother, and your entire family.

Dr. Ledbetter was my doctor when I was 18 months old. I can walk today thanks to that wonderful man! He was the kindest, most compasionate doctor in the world. I know he helped many people over the years, and I am grateful to have known him. My condolences to the family.

My prayers are with your family at this time of loss. Dr. Ledbetter was my brother,Paul's, doctor for many years.First, at the Handicapped Children's clinic. When we were in Wisconsin, and my brother fell out of his wheelchair and was hospitalized there, we were surprised to know that the doctors there were familiar with him. I remember seeing him on the sidelines at the Ouachita High School football games. Our family has always thought of him fondly. He touched so many people and will be remembered for a very long time.

My deepest condolences to Dr. Ledbetter's family. I remember him from years ago when he set my wrist. He was a blessing to many and will be missed. You are in my prayers. Respectfully, Gracie

John and Dee - I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He lived a long and fruitful life and touched countless of people. I know he will be missed, but there is so much to be thankful for. Sedric and Wanda

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I would like to offer my condolences to the family during your time of grief. Sincerely, Mike Remillard Patient/La. Pain Care

Our condolences to the Ledbetters. We worked with Dr. Ledbetter at Conway hospital and learned a lot watching him restore full use of limbs to almost hopeless appearing ortho cases. He was amazing. He was a perfectionist and demanded perfection of his coworkers: an excellent educator.We have many fond memories of Dr. Ledbetter. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Tamara McCready, Dot Tolar,Norva Noland Jackson,Sandria Johnson -Radiology Department Conway Hospital/LSUHSC/MONROE

My Family and I loved You Dr. Ledbetter. I walk on both legs today Thanks To You. Our condolences to all the Ledbetter family. You will be in our prayers. Bill and Daniele Knaps Jr.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.