Mr. Howard L.Tadlock, age 82, of Jena, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Jena at his residence surrounded by family and close friends.  He was born on May 6, 1943, in Belle Chasse, Louisiana to the union of L.E. and Carolyn Enterkin Tadlock.

Mr. Howard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family deeply. He spent his working career in the Heavy Equipment  Industry as an operator, ownig his own construction company, and was one of the finest Detroit Diesel Mechanics to ever pick up a wrench! He assisted many people with repairs over the phone as he could tell you what was wrong without even seeing the engine. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strong faith, and his love for those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, L.E. and Carolyn Enterkin Tadlock; sister, Bobbie Hill;  and his grandson, Matthew Tadlock.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy Kelly Tadlock of Jena; his children, Howard L. "Tad" Tadlock, Jr. and wife Lana, Michael Tadlock, and Aletha Marler; his step-son, Jason Gresham and wife Tammara; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Jena, Louisiana; and again on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 9:00AM until 11:00AM.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM at the church with Rev. Ricky Gresham officiating. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Serving as pallbearers will be James Robbins, Jay Broadwell, Vince Stapleton, Rodney Phillips, Tommy Russell, and Cliff Brister. Honorary pallbearers will include Joe Merle Francis, David Jones, Kirby Jones, and the Pleasant Hill Sunday School Class.

Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.southernfuneralhome.com