Louis R. Rardin, Jr., 76, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Friday, July 9, 2010, at the Kansas City Hospice House with his children by his side. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 14 at Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W. 75th St., Overland Park, KS. Burial in Antioch Pioneer Cemetery, Merriam, KS. Visitation, 5-7 P.M., Tuesday, July 13 at the Porter Funeral home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Kansas City Hospice House, Overland Park Christian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Lou was born April 25, 1934, in Pleasanton, KS, the son of Mabel and Louis Rardin, Sr. He worked for more than 50 years in the millwork industry. Lou began his career with Rust Sash & Door in the early 1950’s at the Order Desk. He steadily climbed through the ranks of the company as a result of his strong work ethic, eventually leading the Purchasing Department. Lou became a trusted employee and long-time friend of Mr. Rust, the founder of the company.
When the company was sold to CE Morgan, he maintained his role over Purchasing but also assumed the responsibilities of Operations Manager. In 1987, Lou opened his own millwork company called Kansas City Millwork. After building a successful business, Lou sold Kansas City Millwork and decided to retire. However, his retirement lasted only a few years as Lou missed the daily routine of work. In the mid 1990’s, Lou partnered to help start up another millwork company – Thomas & Associates. He filled the roles of Operations Manager and Secretary Treasurer; remaining at this company until his retirement in January 2010.
Lou was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, in 2006, his sister, JoAnn Large and his parents. He is survived by his daughter Amy and husband Jan and granddaughter Morgan Hennes, Shawnee, KS; son John and wife Cristy and grandchildren Hannah, Abigail and Joshua Rardin, Olathe, KS; brother Ron and wife Nancy Rardin, Liberty, MO and many nieces and nephews. Lou had a deep love for his family and always ensured they were the priority in his life. The close relationships he maintained over the years with past and present co-workers were also an enriching part of his life. Lou was an incredibly loving and giving husband, father and grandfather. He was a man of true integrity and will be terribly missed.
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From: Jana Richardson
Relationship: friend
Dear Amy, Jan and Morgan,
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family in the loss of your father. He was a great man and will be missed. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. May the Lord keep you strong through this difficult time.
Love
Jana Richardson
Village Pediatrics
Sent: 07/10/2010 |
From: Patty Huelsman
Relationship: NeighborFriend
Amy and John,
My heart was so saddened to hear of your dads passing. He was such a constant personality in my growing up on Santa Fe Dr. He was a good neighbor and friend to mom and dad. I will never forget the 4th of Julys that Lou and dad did for us kids in our front yards. Great memories.
Sent: 07/11/2010 |
From: Laurie Wendland
Relationship: past co-worker
Dear John,Amy and families,
I was so sad to hear about your dad, he was an amazing person. I hold so many fond memories of him. He always seemed to welcome you as if you were part of the family. Brian and I will never forget what he did for us.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Wendland
Sent: 07/11/2010 |
From: Brian Wendland
Relationship: ex-coworker
Lou was a one of a kind and he will be missed greatly. He was a good friend, I will remember All the great things he did. We are sorry for your loss but we know he is with Joan in Heaven together again for ever.
Sent: 07/11/2010 |
From: Jan Wise
Relationship: former co-worker
AmyJohn: My deepest sympathies to you and your families in the loss of your father. Lou was a very special person to everyone in the millwork industry and was always willing to help everyone he met. I called him countless times for advice. He will be truly missed. Jan
Sent: 07/11/2010 |
From: Rae Gutridge
Relationship: Friend
Amy,
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad passing. What a blessing that he was in your lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss.
Sent: 07/12/2010 |
From: Becky Seidler
Relationship: Friend of Amy
Amy, Jan and Morgan - I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if I can do anything for you and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Becky
Sent: 07/12/2010 |
From: Jeff and Kandi Kinsella
Relationship: Friend
John, Amy and family We are saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sent: 07/12/2010 |
From: C. H. Parker
Relationship: Dear friend
My mom, Thelma Parker and I will miss Junior very much. As a young boy, Junior worked in my fathers grocery store, stocking shelves and helping customers. Later I was in Junior and Joans wedding party at Fort Scott, Kansas. We enjoyed seeing both Jr. and Joan at the PHS reunions over the years. Last week, Ron Rardin told us that Junior was ill. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the entire family. Love, C.H., George, and Thelma Parker
Sent: 07/12/2010 |
From: Deb North
Relationship: friend
You father was a great man and will be missed. You are in my prayers.
Deb North
Sent: 07/14/2010 |
From: Kimberly Whitefield
Relationship: friend of Amy
Dear Amy, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Lou. Both he and your mother were truly outstanding people, the kind of people we should all strive to be. I know you will miss him terribly - but if it helps, remember that as he leaves your embrace, he is folded into your moms.
Sending much love, prayers, and faith your way,
Kim, Bob & kids
Sent: 07/14/2010 |
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