With profound sadness, the family of Freddie B. Ladner announces his passing on September 11th, 2026, at the age of 87. His was a lifetime of generous service to country, community, and family.

Following graduation from Kiln High School, he joined the Mississippi National Guard. In 1961, he transferred to the 305th Field Hospital Unit of the U.S. Army Reserve which was activated later that year due to the Berlin Crisis.

His military service was followed by a 23-year career with the City of Gulfport Fire Department. Captain Ladner retired in 1988 as Chief of Mechanics - responsible for servicing the entire fleet of fire trucks.

Known by fellow firefighters as a great cook and extraordinary handyman, he was a member of Bishop Gunn Council #1583 of the Knights of Columbus.

Married to his high school sweetheart, Clydell Wood, for 68 years, he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his many hobbies with their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Recognized by friends and family as a "jack of all trades", his skills varied from winemaking to backyard gardening to making exceptional cast nets. He was known to give these prized cast nets to special friends and family members.

In 1974, he joined the South Mississippi Racing Pigeon Club. A multi-award winner, he recruited and mentored a number of members over a span of three decades.

Freddie is survived by his wife, Clydell, and daughters Tammy (Chris) Duncan and Robin (Jimmy) Johnson; granddaughters Colleen (Joe) Blazina, Ashlen Johnson, Allison (Matt) Smith, and Christina (Travis) Johnson; and great-grandchildren Amelia, Ben, and Claire Smith, Hannah and Laura Blazina, and Charlotte and Penny Johnson.

Freddie's legacy is one of stories, laughter, and the spirit of unconditional love.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Freddie's life on Friday, September 18th, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 a.m. Burial immediately following at Biloxi National Cemetery, 101 Memorial Drive, Biloxi, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Tunnel to Towers is a national organization that provides financial support to families of fallen first responders and injured service members. Donations can be made using the following link, dogood.t2t.org/IMOFreddieBLadner

Riemann Family Funeral Homes, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Ladner family.