Donald McLean Ladley, age 88 of Glen Carbon, IL, born March 21 ,1935 in Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at his residence surrounded by family.

Don received his BBA degree and commission in the U.S. Air Force from the University of Pittsburgh in 1957.  While at Pitt he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha, Gamma Sigma Chapter.  After completing pilot training, he was assigned to Lincoln AFB, Nebraska as a pilot on the B-47 Bomber for the Strategic Air Command.  Upon leaving active duty in 1963 he entered into a family insurance business.  In 1966 he joined the 911th Tactical Airlift Group as a pilot and flew C-124 and C-123 planes. In 1978 he became an Admissions Liaison Officer for the Air Force academy and AFROTC and continued that assignment for 10 years beyond his retirement in 1985.  He sponsored over 50 cadets.

He was a quarter century perpetual member of the General Matthew B. Ridgway Pittsburgh Chapter and served as Past Commander (1989-1990), Adjutant and Director of the Youth Leadership Program. He was a life member of The Air Force Association, The Reserve Officers Association, The Military Officer Association of America, The 307th Bomb Wing Association, and Past President of the Aero Club of Pittsburgh.  He was past State President and Legislative Chairman for the Department of Pennsylvania ROA, served on the National Resolutions Committee for 11 years, and served as National Chairman for three terms.  In 1985 he became active with the SWPA Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee and served as the State Boss Lift Chairman for 16 years.  Don fully retired from his civilian insurance occupation, the D.M. Ladley Agency, in 1995

Preceding him in death were his parents, John Bright and Olive Grace (nee McLean) Ladley; a brother, John "Jack" Bright Ladley; and an infant sister.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 60+ years, Betty Jane (nee Hansen) Ladley, whom he married September 1, 1962; two daughters:  Lori Sue (David) Stamos of Lebanon, IL and Stacy Ladley (Tim) Dinkle of Bristow, VA; nine grandchildren:  Michael, Br. Christopher Maria OSB, Mary Grace, Patrick (Mary), Thomas, Dominic, Mark, Ryan, and Justin; and one great-grandchild, Imelda.

Donald's wishes were to be cremated and he will be buried with honors at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans and may be mailed to:  Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center St., Maryville, Illinois 62062.