Mr. Francis Leo Ladner Jr

Mr. Frankie Ladner, Jr., 70 of McHenry, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday morning at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born June 27, 1947 in Gulfport, one of 5 children to Francis L. "Frank" and Jewel Ladner, Sr. He grew up in the rural Riceville community, enjoying most anything outdoors, including fishing and hunting, horses, and playing football. A strong work ethic was instilled by his parents, which Frankie kept all of his life. He worked at Red Gap as a young man, and met the love of his life, Dot Landrum, at Elder Ridge Baptist Church, while he was attending barber college in Jackson. He graduated, and made an early career as an accomplished barber in Gulfport. Frankie eventually opened his own shop, and ran it successfully for several years before obtaining a position at Sterling Drug Company, what most refer to as the Milk of Magnesia plant in Gulfport. He worked his way up there for many years, and loved to say that he "worked for a company that moved more people than Allied Van Lines." He was a faithful Christian man, attending Red Hill Baptist Church for many years. In his spare time, he loved to plant and raise a garden, that many benefited from every year. Frankie is fondly remembered as a wonderful husband, a hard-working yet kind and loving father, grandfather and "Papa", and will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched. He was preceded by his parents, Frank & Jewel Ladner. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of 51 years, Dorothy "Dot" Ladner; their three children, one daughter, Shawne (Jeffery) Smith of McHenry, and two sons Stephan Ladner, also of McHenry, and Shelton (Sabrina) Ladner of Saucier; his sisters, Carol Ladner of Lafayette, LA and Bertha (Mark) Warden of McHenry, and brothers Richard (Pat) Ladner of Lizana, and Jimmy Dale Ladner of Silver Run; 7 grandchildren, Allye (Justin) Davis, D.J. and Shelby Ladner, and Victoria, Sarah, Anna, and Grayson "Little Feller" Smith, along with countless extended family and friends. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11 AM, followed by a chapel service at 1 PM, at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. He will be interred beside his parents at Saucier Baptist Church Cemetery afterward. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to assist the Ladner family, and asks all to keep the Ladner family in your prayers through this difficult time.