Mr. Edward Irl Rendleman

Edward Irl Rendleman was born August 12, 1919 in Detroit, MI. At the age of 6 weeks old, his family moved to West Saratoga Springs, IL where he would grow up and attend school. In 1940 he would meet Jane Kiest, who he later married on August 1, 1943 in Columbus, GA. They remained married 57 years until her death in February 2001. He would join the Army at the age of 21, and was part of the Utah Beach invasion. War wounded in action, he received the Purple Heart and returned stateside. He then went back to Austria as part of the Military Police. While in Austria, he learned first hand the public safety issues that would become part of his life's work. He would retire from the Army after 31 years in 1972 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the service, Ed attended the Southern College of Watch Making and Jewelry. He and his wife Jane decided to open a jewelry business, which they did in 1949. He continued to go to the store, every day, even at the age of 92. In the fall of 1950, he was approached with the idea of being a "Temporary" Fire Chief in the newly established Fire Department in Calvert City. It was a position he held for over 50 years. Aside from being Fire Chief, he the Safety Director and Vice President for the PTA, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at his church, Calvert City United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School for 20 years, served in the City Council for 24 years in Public Safety for the City of Calvert. Mr. Rendleman was a member of the American Legion Post 236, the VFW of Calvert City, KY, the Purple Heart Association, the R.O.A. (Reserve Officer Association), and the Calvert City Fire Department. He was named "Lord" of Calvert City, a Kentucky Colonel, Who's Who in Kentucky, Outstanding American of the South, and many other awards and achievements. He was the son of the late Irl Rendleman and the late Cecelia (Schumacher) Rendleman. He is survived by: One Daughter: Sherry Ross, husband Fred,, Calvert City, KY, One Son: Michael E. Rendleman, wife Dubravka, Milford, PA, One Sister: Paz Baegle, San Matio, CA, Grandchildren: Josh Ross, Calvert City, KY, Chase Rendleman, Sierra Vista, AZ, Laurie Villasuso, Wappingers Falls, NY, Justin Ross, Calvert City, KY; and great grandchildren: Brady Ross, Calvert City, KY, Kiersten Hayden, Calvert City, KY, Tyler Ross, Calvert City, KY; 6 nieces and 1 nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife: Jane (Kiest) Rendleman, and brother: Charles Rendleman. Arrangements are being handled by Collier Funeral Home, P.O. Box 492, Benton, KY. Visitation will be held between the hours of 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Collier Funeral Home in Benton, KY. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Calvert City United Methodist Church. Friends may call Saturday between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the Calvert City United Methodist Church. Eddy Bronley and Jim Calhoun will officiate. Burial will follow at the Calvert City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Calvert City United Methodist Church, 571 Oak Park Blvd, Calvert City, KY 42029 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or the Kentucky Colonels, 1717 Alliant Ave. Suite 14, Louisville, KY 40299