Robert "Bobby" Donald Ladner

R.D. “Bobby” Ladner, age 86, of Long Beach, passed away on January 15, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Irma Depreo Ladner; his parents, Leon and Euva Ladner; a sister, Gayle Ladner Bentz; a sister-in-law, Merle Haas; and 2 brothers-in-law, Ronald Garrett and Vernon Haas.

Mr. Ladner is survived by his children, Stephanie (Bobby) Ariatti, Richard (Tricia) Bennett, Bradley Bennett, Don (Teresa) Ladner, Donna (Morris) Nix, and Bridget (Russell) Weatherly; a sister, Carol Garrett; a brother, Marlin (Rebecca) Ladner; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Ladner; his grandchildren, Derrick (Tarin) Ariatti, Kristen Ariatti, Allison Ariatti, Patrick (Brennan) Bennett, Andy (Amanda) Bennett, Alex Bennett, Al Tijerina, Megan (Chad) Herston, Madison Ladner, Mallory Ladner, Ronald Brown, Jr, Shawn Brown, Jacqueline Rudd, Pierce (Tyler) Weatherly, Gracie Weatherly, and Amelia Weatherly; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Mr. Ladner was a native and lifelong resident of Harrison County. He earned a Bachelors Degree from Mississippi State University, a Masters Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and he did post graduate work at University of Mississippi.  He served in the U.S. Army Reserves while attending college and worked in Law Enforcement in Washington, DC.  He served as a Teacher, Coach, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and retired as the Superintendent of Harrison County Schools.  He was currently a member of the Farm Bureau Insurance Board and was elected 4 times to the Long Beach Republican Election Commission. 

He served as past president of the Gulfport Civitan’s Club, president of the Cattleman’s Association, MS Gulf Coast Community College Board Member, and president of the MS Association of County Superintendents of Education.

He took great pride in learning and teaching others about the Ladner genealogy.  He was honored and was invited to speak at the Ladner Dedication and Plaque Unveiling at USM Gulf Park.  “Mr. Bobby” leaves a great legacy of leadership and commitment to Harrison County and the MS Gulf Coast.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 8:30 am - 10:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am in the church.  Interment will be in New DeLisle Cemetery.