Rardin, Stephen Decatur
RARDIN, WALKER
Posted By: Lisa Joan Walden (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 14:35:32
Stephen Decatur Rardin, son of Stephen Decatur and Amanda Rardin was born at Albia, Iowa, on December 3, 1869, and passed to the great beyond on August 19, 1939, at the family home in Lamoni.
Stephen was the youngest of a family of six children and when he was but a baby his mother died. The father cared for the children and later moved to Missouri where he established the first dry goods and grocery store in Ridgeway.
The family was prominent in the early life and upbuilding of the community. They helped build the schools, the Christian church and assisted with various civic organizations.
In 1891, Stephen Rardin was united in marriage to Dollie Evelyn Walker and to them three children were born. Paul and Daislea of the home and Mrs. Earl [Dorothy] Rauch, of Lamoni. For many years Mr. Rardin operated a large produce and cold storage business giving employment to several.
In 1915 Mr. Rardin was baptized in the Christian church serving as a deacon and member of the board, giving of his time and money. In 1920 the family left Ridgeway because of problems of health and were located for a while in California and later in Nebraska City, Neb.
For the next seven years Mr. Rardin served as deacon among the Christian people of Nebraska City and continued until failing health made it necessary to retire from service. Many messages from the members of the congregation he served expressed their sympathy to the family and stated that they believed “he was ready to go.”
During the long illness he manifested such patience and fortitude that it was an inspiration to those busy with his care. His going was made easier for his devoted ones because of the peace and tranquility of his passing.
Funeral services were held on Monday from the White Funeral Home. The Rev. R.J. Reel, of the First Christian Church of Nebraska City officiated assisted by Rev T.S. Williams of the [R.]L.D.S. church.
Hymns he loved were sung by Mrs. Arthur Derry and favorite passages of scripture from the Fourteenth Chapter of St. John were read by Mr. Williams. Rev. Reel chose for his text, “Thou hast dwelt long enough in this mount. Take thy journey.” Burial was in Rose Hill.
The loved ones bereaved were Mrs. S. D. Rardin, son, Paul, and daughters, Daislea, and Dorothy, grandsons Paul Robert, Marion Rardin, and Stephen Rardin Rauch, sisters Mrs. Ida Reeves, Ridgeway, Mo.; Mrs. Alice Lincoln, Cainsville, Mo.; Mrs. Mary Nelson, Amarillo, Texas, and one brother Charles, of St. Charles, Mo.
Source: The Lamoni Chronicle, published in Lamoni, Iowa on Thursday, August 24th, 1939, pg 8.
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