Eugene Ladnier

Eugene "Sarge" Ladnier, 70, resident of Walnut, editor, writer and friend, passed away peacefully Sunday morning September 4, 2016 in the comfort of his home following a brief illness.
  Funeral Services, with Full Military Honors, honoring the life of "Sarge" will be at 11 AM Friday, September 9 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Richie Lockhart of Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church officiating. A procession will be led by The Combat Veterans Associations Motorcycle Brigade to his cherished home for Full Military Honors provided by the Army Honor Guard from Fort Polk, LA. Active and Honorary Pallbearers will be those representing The Army Honor Guard.
  Gene was born March 13, 1946 in Chattanooga, TN and raised on an Indian Reservation by his Sioux grandmother. He lived several places throughout his life as a child, however he fell in love with the southern life while living in Mississippi and Tennessee. Gene developed a love for history and literature where he learned to express himself through writing. He was an avid reader of the written word and a well known Author of many novels. His imagination knew no bounds. He wrote Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Poetry. His most precious poems however were reserved for his one true love, his Irish beauty, his wife DeDe. Gene was quoted to have said on several occasions "I write not because I choose to but because I have to".
  Gene was an Army Soldier for 22 years where he rose to the rank of First Sergeant. He served 3 tours in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger. For his gallantry he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Silver Star. Upon retirement from the Military, he became a writer and Editor for the Southern Sentinel Newspaper in Ripley and Southern Advocate Newspaper in Benton County for over 18 years. As newspaper editor, he was engaged with the communities in a number of ways. Whether he was visiting schools or discussing politics at the local coffee shop, Sarge grew familiar with a large cross-section of both the Tippah and Benton County Communities. His opinion column "Sarge's Corner" was especially popular with readers of both newspapers. A talented writer, he had a lot of stories to tell.
  As Gene retired from the Military in 1985, he and his family wandered through several states, but there was always one place he wanted to return. So in 1997 he told his beloved wife Denise, 'We're going home honey" and he moved back to the Mississippi Country where he knew he always belonged.
  He will be greatly missed by all those who were blessed to know and love him. Visitation will continue Friday September 9 at The Ripley Funeral Home until service time at 11 AM.
  Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Denise Carney Ladnier of Walnut, 4 daughters, Tapitha Grace (Mike) of Michigan City, MS, Heather Ladnier of Kansas City, MO, Natalie Boskin of Cincinnati, OH, and Alicia Ladnier of Walnut, 2 sons, Robert Huff of Winchester VA and Kevin Ladnier of Walnut, his sister Anna Hopper (Jackie), 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.
  Throughout the years, Gene Ladnier will tell you one thing; it doesn't matter if it was the siege at Waterloo, the Roman Coliseum, the Parthenon of Athens, the Wild West Frontier with Chief Joseph or the birth of his beautiful children - He would always say on thing "I was there".
  The Flag at The Ripley Funeral Home entrance honors Mr. Ladnier and all Veterans who served Our County.
  The Family requests that memorials be made to Tippah Relay For Life c/o The Peoples Bank, PO Drawer 419 Ripley, MS 38663.

The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ladnier Family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories.