Johnny Ladd Edwards

Johnny Ladd Edwards journeyed to the spirit world on August 18, 2020 in Topeka, Kansas.

Ladd was born on August 20, 1950, to Charlotte Mae Blacksmith and John Edwards in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He is an enrolled member of the Kickapoo Nation of Kansas and is also Absentee Shawnee of Oklahoma. His given Indian name is Nat-noh.

Ladd grew up in the Wichita area and was a graduate of Chilocco Indian School of Oklahoma. After High School he married Minnie Edwards and together they had three children, Gwendolyn Angel Edwards, Freeman Ladd Edwards, and Ethan Clay Edwards. Ladd also has a son named Samuel Edwards.

He went on to attended Haskell Indian Nations University and obtained his associates degree. He proudly graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. Lad was dedicated to his field of work and served many communities including the Kickapoo Nation.

Ladd's most sacred achievement in his life was his 33 year sobriety. He often spoke of breaking the cycle of addiction, thanking his Momma Charlotte for leading the way with her 26 years of sobriety. He was a dedicated NA and AA advocate. He attended meetings regularly and made many lifelong friends who became family to him. NA was a way of life and his motto was, Just for today.

Part of his sobriety and wellness was attending sun dance and sweats as often as he could. He was a grass dance and respected the circle and respected his native ways.

Ladd was a dedicated father, a strict father, but a good father! His children were his pride and joy. He took care of them as best he could. Grew and learned about life right along with them. He was a proud Misho, a loving brother, a caring Shisha, a helpful nephew, and a loyal friend.

The last few years of his life, Ladd was the best truck driver around! He enjoyed traveling for his job and loved his track. He spent time with his family as often as he could. There was always a story to tell, advice to be given, a message to be heard. There was never a dull moment with Ladd, his famous loud laugh will be deeply missed. He'd tell it like it was, that too will be missed.

He was a wise man because of many things he experienced, including the passing of his son Freeman. He never let things defeat him, even in life's hardest moments. He offered his knowledge of sobriety, hardship and triumph to anyone willing to listen. He would give a lending hand in any situation. Ladd is deeply loved and will be missed by many.

Johnny Ladd Edwards is survived by his children, Gwendolyn, Ethan and Samuel Edwards; sisters, April Perez-Blacksmith, Fawn Edwards, Shawnee Edwards, RAinee Edwaards-Manzanares, and Elisha Gouge; brother, Anthony Blacksmith; step-mother, Tewana Edwards; aunt and uncle Wanda and Michael Faulk; grandsons, Rashaun and Maurice; granddaughters, Ashanti, Eliciana, Amaya, Amerie, and Isabella; great-granddaughters, Emani Dior, Brianna, and Zahra; great-grandsons, Zadrian, Amori, Talib and Baby Edwards.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Blacksmith; father, John Edwards; brother, Troy Edwards; son, Freeman Ladd Edwards; and nephew, Emilio Mejia.

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