Alan Ledford Obituary (1934 – 2022) – Marysville, WA

Alan entered into the heavenly kingdom Feb 15, 2022, at his home on the Tulalip Reservation. He was a Tulalip Tribal Elder and a military veteran. He was born Nov 25, 1934 in the Bremerton Naval Hospital to Navy seaman, Allen Ledford and Louise (Sheldon) Ledford. Alan was the second oldest of five children. The family moved to Marysville, Washington onto the Tulalip Reservation in 1939 where he resided while his father continued his career in the Navy. Alan enjoyed his time on the “Stump Ranch” taking care of a few animals and playing in the woods with the neighbor boys. His grandma Sheldon told his mom that if she wanted her kids to get an education she would have to move into Marysville , buy a house and pay taxes.

After World War II ended, his dad took the family back to Cherokee, NC where dad was born to visit family, and friends, they participated in tribal games and met distant grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Upon returning to Washington Alan and the boys participated in sports; football, basketball, and baseball. As Alan grew older he formed a neighborhood team and competed against a cross town team. During Junior High and High School he excelled in sports and his education. Alan graduated from MHS with the class of 1952, and in the fall
enrolled in Everett Junior College, and played ball for the EJC Trojans.
After graduating from Junior College he enlisted in the Army, and played military sports for 2 years. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge from the Army he enrolled in Central Washington University and received his degree in education. He started his coaching and teaching career at Tolt, and Carnation high school. Alan furthered his teaching career in other school districts including Marysville. He relocated to the Mt Ranier School District and was very successful in their athletic program as a basketball and baseball coach. Alan went back to college and got his Principal certificate and Master’s degree to become a Superintendent at the Chemawa Indian School in Oregon. His higher level of education took him to Page, Arizona and beyond until he retired in later years.

He is survived by his loving wife Jeanine and two Step Daughters Amie Steckbauer of Portland, Oregon and Laura Steckbauer of Seattle, WA. He is survived by his brothers Dean Ledford of Marysville and Vern (LaVern) Ledford of Marysville; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and Sister, Bernita Lewis and Brother-in-law, Captain James L. Lorr, USAF.

Service will be conducted Feb 24, 2022 at 10:00 am at Schaffer/Shipman funeral home.

Alan’s remains will be placed at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.

November 25, 1934 – February 15, 2022

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24, 2022.