Jack W. Rardin

Jack W. Rardin, 84, Topeka, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at St. Francis Health Center. Jack was born May 31, 1925 in Topeka, the son of Charles and LaDema (Williams) Rardin. He graduated from Topeka High School and attended the University of Kansas. He graduated from the Foreign Service School at Georgetown University in 1950. Jack was an Intelligence Officer with the C.I.A., stationed in England, Cyprus, Hawaii, and various locations in the continental United States, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the U.S. Army, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He was in the Active Reserve of the U.S. Air Force for over 30 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he was active in the choir and sang many solos. He was moderator of 2nd Baptist Church in St. Louis; served on the board of TOSCA; Interfaith; Music Club; and was a docent at the Kansas State Historical Museum. Jack married Faye Widener in 1949. She died in 1974. To this union, two sons were born. He later married Jodie Boyle in 1987. She survives. Other survivors include sons, Richard W. Rardin and wife, Paula; Michael C. Rardin and wife, Laurie, all of St. Louis, MO; granddaughters, Hilary DiMercurio, Haley Rardin, Renee Rardin; and great grandson, Aidan DiMercurio. He was also preceded in death by a brother, William Rardin. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2009 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Inurnment services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery with military honors. Jack will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donors choice. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.