Charles E. Ladner of Pine passed away in his home at 1:07 a.m. on July 14, 2018, as the true measure of a man, surrounded by his devoted family and friends.

He worked with Southern Timber for 36 years in seed production and tree improvement research. After retirement, he spent his days raising his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed raising cattle, gardening, hunting, and attending various sports events in the community where he was “Papa” to many young athletes. Charles was a faithful member, song-leader and Sunday School superintendent of Poplarhead Missionary Baptist Church of Franklinton.

Charles is survived by his wife of 48 years, Renee Thomas Ladner; children, Shane Ladner (Jennifer Ezell and her four children) and Shonna Ladner Statham (Michael Statham); grandchildren, Meggian Farias (Thailyr Spears), Michae’la Statham (Adam Hebert), Carley Ladner (Brandon Jones), Micah Statham and Leah Ladner; great-grandchildren, Braylin and Adalynn Spears; daughter-in-law, Libby Jones Ladner; brothers and sisters-in-law, George Evon Ladner (Pat Ladner), Roger Bruce Ladner (Gayle Pittman Ladner) and David Ladner (Dianna Bond Ladner); sisters and a brother-in-law, Betty Rose Ladner Phillips, Margaret Ladner Rawls, and Delores Ladner Luper (Bobby Luper); sister-in-law, Molly Ladner; and closest friends, Hershel Creel and Bennie Schilling.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eldee Ladner; mother, Cascelia Beall Ladner; brothers, Conrad Ladner and Douglas Ladner; sister, Katherine Ladner Breland; mother-in-law, Olivia Miley Bradley; and brothers-in-law, Arnold “Sonny” Breland, Melvin Rawls and Eld. Ted Phillips.

Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home on Monday, July 16, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., and after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17. A funeral service was held in the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, with Eld. Glynn Erwin, Eld. Edward Penton and Eld. Yancy Magee officiating. Burial followed in the Poplarhead Baptist Church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Hershel Creel, Bennie Schilling, Chad Luper, Damon Luper, Brandon Jones and Micah Statham. Honorary pallbearers were Mike D. Thomas, Justin Barber, Cameron Bell, Scott Wills, Thailyr Spears and Braylin “Bebo” Spears.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.