Leonard Clenton DeBord

Leonard “Laddie” DeBord II, Age 72, of Gulfport passed away on November 7, 2023. He was born on October 06, 1951, in Beckley, WV. He is preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Leonard DeBord Sr.; stepfather, Olan Presley Ware; nephews, Shane Rodgers, Luke Ware, and Simon Peterson; and his beloved dog, Cowgirl.

Laddie graduated from Harrison Central High School and attended Perkinston Junior College. He was an outgoing, free-spirited individual who had many talents and interests. He loved cars and motorcycles, and he owned several Corvettes in his lifetime. He designed and practically built one of the first “Chopper” bikes to roll down HWY 49 back in the day. Laddie was a welder, by trade, which took him abroad on occasion, but he also enjoyed several other jobs in his lifetime. While still in high school, he helped run a chicken farm for a time, and practically ran the Red & White Grocery Store, including working as a butcher. Later in life he worked as an electrician.

 Laddie preferred to do the grocery shopping and would study the ads to find the best deals, driving from store to store to save a dollar. He was an excellent cook, who allowed no one in the kitchen when he exercised his culinary skills. Whatever Laddie did, he did with perfection, and his cooking was no different. He was meticulous about his food preparation and how it looked. “Presentation is Everything,” he would say. One of his original recipes, Green Bean Salad, is a family favorite and has already been handed down to at least two generations and will surely continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Laddie was an intelligent man who loved to engage in conversation, heated or not, about anything. He knew a lot about many things. He had a great sense of humor and was quite the comedian. He loved listening to country music and could tell you the name of the artist singing every song. He always enjoyed meeting up with his friends to catch up on the latest and play a few games of pool. Laddie DeBord was a one-of-a-kind individual and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  

Laddie is survived by his daughter, Ashleigh (Keith) Helton; mother, Betty Ware; grandchildren, Gavin Helton and Tenley Helton; sisters, Janie (Boo) Rodgers, Deborah Ware, Pamela Easton; and brother, Allen (Donna) Ware. Laddie also leaves behind to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, with a service to follow at 4:00PM.  

Family and friends may sign the online register book, and share memories and condolences at www.riemannfamily.com