John Ledbetter

John Baty Ledbetter of Kimberly passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2024.

Born on January 9, 1932 to Clarence and Elma in Clinton, Arkansas, he grew up working on their farm, tinkering with machinery, and singing in his family’s gospel group. He served his country as a medic in the Army National Guard. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Patricia Couch of Little Rock, Arkansas. They had one child, Linda Ledbetter, who lives in Boise.

Following in the footsteps of older relatives, John moved his family to Kimberly, and worked for many years selling and repairing office equipment throughout the Magic Valley. His true vocation, though, and the skill he's best remembered for is restoring small format antique gasoline engines. Through this hobby, he found a great deal of joy and formed a nation-wide community of like-minded friends, who often referred to him as "Two-Engine John."

Over time John volunteered for various organizations including the Lion's Club, the Kimberly Booster Club, and the Ageless Senior Center. In 2018 he was honored with Kimberly's Pioneer Neighbor of the Year award. He attended the Crossroads United Methodist Church. He enjoyed daily coffee meet-ups with his buddies, the company of his calico kitty, Punk'in, and he would never turn down a plate of biscuits and gravy.

John was preceded in death by his wife Pat, his parents Clarence and Elma, his brother Ruel and wife Mildred, sister Maxine and husband Eddie Shuffield, and brother Q.D. He's survived by his daughter Linda and her partner Curtis Evans, his brother Ben, sister Alice Ticer and her husband Glen, sister-in-law Dianne Shrum Ledbetter, and a big bunch of beloved nieces and nephews.

John requested a Celebration of Life instead of a funeral. Details will be provided at a later date.

The family wishes to thank John's friends who helped tremendously during his final weeks, especially his buddy Ron Ballard who visited daily and helped John with tasks he was no longer able to manage on his own.

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