John Logan (J.L.) Rardin Sr., resident of Ponca City, passed from this life December 1, 2013 at the age of 80.

J.L. was born at his family home in Douthat, OK in 1933, the son of Marion Edward and Velma Flo Woods Rardin. He was raised in Picher, OK and attended Picher High School. J.L. attended N.E.O. College and completed his degree at Oklahoma State University in Automotive & Diesel Technology. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956, and was promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant. He served in the Pacific Theatre including Korea, Guam and the Philippines, after which he returned to the U.S. and served in the Army Reserves until he retired from duty in 1961.

He worked in several jobs in Ponca City, where he managed the Elite Laundry, built Harvest Storage Silos for Edwards Equipment Co., built the Kaw Dam, and built batch-plants and highways for Evans & Associates. He ended his working career at Conoco Refinery as an insulator and foreman for 18 years until his retirement in 1999. He was an avid out-doors man and fisherman with a deep love for nature.

J.L. was married to Leslie A. Aton for 56 years. They moved to Ponca City in 1958, and raised two children: daughter, Dr. M. Anne Rardin of Los Angeles, CA; and son, John “Logan” Rardin Jr. CMT C.Ht. J.L. is also survived by daughter-in-law Tram N. Dang-Rardin and his grandson Malakai “Kai” Logan Rardin of Los Angeles, CA.; sister Glenna Keeper and husband Robert of Jasper, MO; sister ZoeAnn Lach of Southbridge, MA; brother Danny Sims and wife Linda of Topeka, KS; brother Terry Lee Sims of Lamar, MO; brother-in-law Jim Aton & wife Carol of Atlanta, GA.; brother-in-law Tom Aton and wife Bea of Dallas, TX.; as well as 23 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger siblings Troy Joe Rardin, Jerry David Mullin and Yarla Sims Arnold.

J.L. was a gentle man whose greatest love was his family. He was known for his kindness, generosity and his love of the outdoors. He was a blessing in the lives of his family, friends and community. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Memorial donations may be made in J.L.’s name to the non-profit music education organization for which his daughter directs youth orchestras for disadvantaged children: Harmony Project, 817 N. Vine, Los Angeles, CA 90038 www.harmony-project.org or the Hospice Building Fund.