Gerald Henry Ladner

Gerald Henry Ladner “Big Boy,” age 78, passed away on November 30, 2025, at his home in Necaise Crossing, MS.

Jerry was born in Bay St. Louis, graduated from Bay High School, and attended Pearl River Community College before enlisting in the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Specialist 4. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a carpentry contractor and founded Ladner Contracting, Inc., which he operated for 55 years. He enjoyed farming, raising cattle, tending vegetable gardens, and “drinking beer and listening to George Jones.”

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Hester and Josephine Ladner; two children, Gerald Ladner Jr. and Kevin Ladner; two brothers, Wayne Ladner and Bryan Ladner; and one sister, Diane Bradford.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathleen Ladner; two children, Kelli Peterson (Darren) and Bryan Ladner; siblings, Kenny Ladner (Becky), Joellen Strong (Jimmy), Roy Ladner, Sr., Barbara Mollere (Phillip), and Terrell Ladner (Susan); grandchildren, Ashley Ladner (Dexter), Alexis Crocker (Clifford), Dylan Peterson (Ciara); great grandchildren, Noah Ladner, Avah Ladner, Ezekiel Crocker, Amelia Crocker, Jensen Crocker, Kolton Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am on Friday, December 5th 2025 at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian, MS. Entombment at the family mausoleum will follow at Lakeshore Cemetery, Lakeshore Cemetery Road, Bay St. Louis, MS.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian is honored to serve the Ladner family. An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.RiemannFamily.com