Richard Lardner

Richard Allen Lardner, Sr., 80, was called home to Jesus on Monday, August 31, 2020. The youngest of four sons, Richie was the pride and joy of his parents, Harry and Grace, and was deeply loved by his older brothers Harold, Donald and Bobby. At ten years old, he met his future soulmate, Ruth, while attending church. They were married at eighteen and had four extraordinary children together. Rich's character and beautiful personality will continue to live on through his children. His oldest daughter Joanne (Harry), inherited Richie's unwavering compassion and ability to quietly listen. His son Ricky (Lisa), shares his father's contagious sense of humor and wonderful laugh. Jeanne (Mark), his middle child, has Richie's incredible work ethic, desire to help all who need it, and positive outlook on life. Janet (Keith), his baby, inherited her father's unfailing ability to love, his willingness to always be present, and his sweet, gentle eyes. For many years, Richie was a proud member of the Plumbers Local One, in New York City. After over 20 years with the Local One, Rich and Ruth made the decision to move upstate, and during this time he and his beloved son-in-law, Keith opened a general contracting company together. Rich's strong belief in Jesus and the Lord's command to care for the widows, caused him to accept payment on several occasions in pies or knit slippers. His enormous heart and gift of compassion also led him to help with innumerable projects for the church, including travelling to Mexico with his wife and daughter, Jeanne, on a project to bring plumbing to an impoverished community. In addition to his children, Rich and Ruth were blessed with eight grandchildren; Jessica (Joe), Nicole (Joey), Ashley, Amanda (Cody), Sarah, Kelsey, Richard III, and Keith Jr; and six great-grandchildren; Joey, Oliver, Noah, Ellie, Will, and Sydney. Rich was the grandfather of a lifetime and when his grandchildren were little, he could be found stuffed into playhouses drinking "tea" or in the pool playing hours of "shark" or Marco Polo. He made sure to be an active and engaged grandfather and was always present for every major occasion. He loved them all deeply and he was loved deeply by them. His love for his family was readily evident to all who interacted with him. He always took the opportunity to hold Ruth's hand and was steadfastly by her side throughout their over 60 years of marriage. The love Rich and Ruth shared was incredible, and their relationship set an example of a Godly marriage to all who knew them. The love Richie's family had for him in unquantifiable—there are no adequate words to describe how deeply and profoundly he loved his family or how deeply and profoundly they loved him. Richard Lardner was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend and he will be desperately missed forever. Although his family's hearts are broken, they take comfort in knowing that he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that they will see him again in heaven. A celebration of life gathering is being planned for at a later date. Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.