Thomas D. Ladley, age 80, of Battle Creek, died Monday November 27th at his home. Thomas was born January 5, 1937 in Battle Creek, to David and Isabelle (Claywell) Ladley. Tom was a 1955 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and joined the Army in 1959. Tom had been employed in the Engineering Department of the Veterans Administration Medical Center for 34 years until he retired in 1992. Tom then worked for Viper Security of Kalamazoo for 10 years and gave drumming lessons. Tom was a drummer all of his life, and was active in many high school bands and had his own band the “Marksman”, he also played with many other area bands. Tom was a life member of American Legion Post #298 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Michigan Sheriffs Association, associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Tom was an avid Detroit sports fan and loved to watch the Tigers, Red Wings and Lions. Tom is survived by his wife Cynthia Sue (Knighten) Ladley, daughters, Karin M. Ladley of Battle Creek, and Jane (Nick) Beimer MD, of Ypsilanti , MI, a son, Gary L Ladley of Battle Creek, grandchildren, Evan Ladley, and Paige and Mara Beimer, a nephew, Joseph (Tina) Knighten, and great nieces, Isabella and Sophia Knighten. Tom was preceded in death by a son Mark Ladley, a grandson, Anthony Lee Powell and his former wife and mother of his children, Josephine (Page) Mitchell. Arrangement are by Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 N. Bedford Rd.