Richard D. Ladner, age 79 of Noxen, passed away Monday, October 17, 2011 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Mr. Ladner was born July 22, 1932 in Wilkes-Barre, and was the son of the late Jess and Ruth Oplinger Ladner.

He served as a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

Prior to retiring, he was employed as a mechanic by Vitale Ford, Montrose, for many years.

Richard was a passionate NASCAR fan.

He was preceded in death by a son, Richard, Jr.; brothers: Donald and Jess, Jr.; and sisters: Joan Inman and Betty Brewer.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Nettie Traver; sons: William and his wife, Brenda, of Noxen and Robert and his wife, Jodi, of Rockingham, NC; grandchildren: Jessica, Tracy, Becky, Carrie, Angela and Kimberly; 10 great grandchildren; brother: James of Montrose; sisters: Kathleen Dunbar and Nancy Jennings, both of Meshoppen and Ruth Ann Scapillato of Buffalo, NY.

Funeral service will be private. There will be no calling hours.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 & 118, Pikes Creek.