Stuart E. Ladner

Stuart E. Ladner, 97, of (Vernon Twp.) 13457 N. Watson Run Road, Conneaut Lake, died Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at the Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown.

He was born in Vernon Twp. April 23, 1908, a son of Malcolm and Alma Roschi Ladner.  He married Mildred Johnston February 19, 1936, and she survives.

He retired in 1972 as an assistant engineer of tests for the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad after 45 years of service.

He was a member of Watson Run Presbyterian Church and was a former elder and treasurer.  A 1925 graduate of Meadville High School, he attended Allegheny College for 2 years.  In 1925-26 while a freshman at Allegheny he played in the Pit Orchestra at the Academy Theatre for the silent movies. He performed in many local bands and orchestras for many years including the Meadville Civic Symphony Orchestra, and the summer band concerts in Diamond Park.  In his retirement he also repaired clocks for Bowlers Jewelry Store for several years.

He was a member of Cussewago Lodge #108, International Order of Odd Fellows, Crawford Masonic Lodge #234, AARP, Crawford County Historical Society, Antique Car Club, and a member of the Musicians Union since 1925.  He owned and restored a 1931 Studebaker President Automobile which he enjoyed driving in parades and taking to car shows.

Survivors in addition to his wife of 69 years, include 2 sons, Scott E. Ladner and his wife Joyce of Conneaut Lake, Alan M. Ladner and his wife Laura of Meadville, 2 grandchildren Jodi Stevens and her husband Kenneth of Conneaut Lake, and Timothy Ladner and his wife Jeanne of New Foundland, PA, 4 great grandchildren, Hannah & Abigail Ladner, and Jarrett and Sarah Stevens.

He was preceded in death by 1 sister, Marian Jones.

Calling hours will be Friday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.  The funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Watson Run Presbyterian Church, 13594 Harmonsburg Road, Meadville with the Rev. Brian Snyder, pastor, officiating.

Entombment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to the Watson Run Presbyterian Church, 13594 Harmonsburg Road, Meadville, PA 16335 or the Crawford County Historical Society, 411 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.