GEORGE “LEE” RARDON
GEORGE “LEE” RARDON
George “Lee” Rardon, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 24, 2021 at the age of 97, or, as he would say, 98 because he was in his 98th year! He had a fulfilling and rewarding life leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to family and country.
Lee, the first of 9 children, was born on August 14th, 1923 in Reger, Sullivan County, Missouri to John Joseph and Mary Francis (Ford) Rardon. His father was a farmer during the depression, which necessitated the family moving frequently to find work.
He graduated high school in Milan, Missouri, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He won the Future Farmer of America award in 1941. Following high school, he attended the University of Missouri at Columbia where he majored in wildlife conservation. He attended MU until the beginning of World War II. After begging his parents to sign for him to enlist, they finally agreed and he enlisted in the Army in June 1942. He served in the China-Burma-India campaign. After the war, he began working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad (later purchased by Union Pacific) in managerial positions until his retirement in 1983.
Prior to being shipped overseas, he married Betty Jo Ball; they were married 70 years.
Lee enjoyed gardening, wood working, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was most proud that all of his children and grandchildren received advanced university degrees; education was very important to him.
He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason, Sheffield Lodge 625, and a member of McMurray United Methodist Church.
Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo; parents John and Mary (Ford) Rardon; 2 sisters, Phyllis Stock and Betty Smith; 6 brothers, Jerald, Donald, Stanley, Ronald, Micheal and Johnny. He is survived by his children Susan Mecklenburg (David) and Patrick Rardon (Patricia); 4 grandchildren Amy Mecklenburg-Faenger (Christopher), Kelly Rardon, Bradford Mecklenburg (Tina), Shawn Rardon (Marissa); and 5 great-grandchildren, Allie and Andrew Mecklenburg; Grant, Ava, and Erin Rardon.
Funeral services were held, Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at White Chapel Cemetery Revelations Mausoleum. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at White Chapel. Pallbearers were: Shawn Rardon, Chancey Rardon, Tony Rardon, Matt Rardon, Chris Faenger, Cameron Hellerich, and David Mecklenberg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Assistance League of Kansas City for the Operation School Bell Program or McMurray United Methodist Church.
