KENNY RADER

KENNY RADER 12/24/1953 - 05/19/2025 Pastor Kenny Rader, age 71 of Lima, went home to be with the Lord, at 10:19 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2025 at home with surrounded by those he loved. He was born December 24, 1953 in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Walter Rader and Ruth J. Bergman Rader Schumacher. He married Martha Elaine Daft, who passed May 6, 2002. On September 1, 2024, Kenny was blessed to find love again and married Peggy Carder Harrison, who remained faithfully by his side. Born and raised on the family farm, Kenny always knew two things: he wanted to be a farmer and he wanted to be a minister. At just 10 years old, he was already preaching from the water tank on the farm--his first pulpit. He graduated from Cory-Rawson High School and spent 28 years working the land he loved. He and Martha shared many years of love and partnership until her passing on May 6, 2002. After her death, Kenny followed his long-held calling into ministry, attending John Bible College and then earning a Master's degree in Ministry from Cincinnati Christian University. In 2011, he became a full-time pastor--a role that allowed him to combine his heart for people with his unwavering devotion to God. Kenny's life was rooted in the Word. His favorite hymn, When I Look into Your Holiness, reflected his daily walk with the Lord. His journey echoes the words of 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness..." In times of trial and triumph, Kenny's eyes were fixed on Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). He now rests in the green pastures of Psalm 23 and has entered the place prepared for him, as promised in John 14:1-4. Those who knew Kenny will remember his gentle spirit, his deep love for the Lord, and his unwavering desire to serve. He lived what he preached--and what he preached, he believed with all his heart. Also surviving are 3 children - Janet Louise (Ben) Simms of Westerville, Ohio; Andrew Christopher (Shelly) Rader of Petersburg, Kentucky; Cheri Lynn (Kory) Hubbell of Sunbury, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 3 brothers - Dwight (Norma) Rader of Bluffton, Ohio; Robert Swaine (Barbara) Rader of Hamilton, Ohio; Darwin (Kay) Rader of Ankeny, Iowa; and a step sister - Betty Heldman. Kenny was laid to rest next to his first wife, Martha, in McElroy Cemetery, near Ada. A celebration of Kenny's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Rousculp Church of Christ. A time of sharing and a luncheon will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Rousculp Church of Christ. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.BayliffAndSon.com