Obituaries

Charles Thomas “Tom” Ladson was born in Hampton, Virginia, on May 24, 1959. As the son of a NASA engineer father and a former NASA “computer” mother (a formerly obscure role made famous by the book “Hidden Figures”), it was natural that Tom would become an engineer himself.

He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1981 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from UNC Charlotte.
His career interests led him to focus on Renewable Energy for a better, cleaner world. In Tom’s words, “I don’t write about the energy transition, I try to make it happen.”

Despite his long hours and dedication to his career, Tom still found time to assist the Grants Committee for the Sports Boosters of Maryland Children, a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that promotes youth and adult amateur and professional sports.

His sudden illness was a great surprise, and his passing was a significant loss to all who knew and worked with him. He is survived by his mother, Lou Ladson of Newport News, Virginia, and dozens of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Peninsula Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. A reception will be held following the interment. The family suggests flowers or donations to the First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, 12716 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA, in Tom’s memory.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.