Homer Louis Ladner, age 99, of Punta Gorda, FL died peacefully on February 26, 2013. A decorated veteran of World War II, Mr. Ladner continued to serve his country in civilian life and personified the qualities that earned his generation the distinction of the greatest generation. He was born in Lumberton, Mississippi on February 13, 1914 to Wilmer Ladner and Ola Gilkey Ladner. Mr. Ladner began his long and distinguished career with Sears Roebuck and Company in Baton Rouge, LA. He met and married Frances Morten Sale on June 15, 1941. Following his service in WWII, he returned to Baton Rouge and his career with Sears. A son was born to Homer and Frances in Baton Rouge and shortly thereafter Homer was transferred to Miami, FL. He and his family lived there until Homer retired after a 40-year career with Sears, and moved to Punta Gorda. Mr. Ladner was a good and faithful servant to his church serving as a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, LA; Central Baptist Church of Miami, FL and as deacon and deacon emeritus of The First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda, FL.

He is survived by his son Gordon Louis Ladner (Kathleen) of Birmingham, AL. Mr. Ladner was a loving grandfather to his surviving grandson, Justin Louis Ladner (Amanda). He is also survived by nephews and niece by his sisters. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances, to whom he was married for 57 years. He was also predeceased by his grandson, Benjamin Louis Ladner, and two sisters, Wilda Thomas Ducker and Letha McCombs Reese.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am till 11:00 am, Monday, March 4, 2013 at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. The funeral will be at 11:00 am, Monday at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens in Punta Gorda. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donation be made to The First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda, 459 Gill Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; or to Meals On Wheels of Charlotte County, 3082 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Please visit kays-ponger.com to leave the family condolences and to sign the online guestbook. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.