Ronald Rardin

On Sunday, April 9, 2023, Ronald Chase Rardin at age 60, went to his heavenly home. He was born on November 7, 1962 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Ronald Adair and Sharon May Rardin.

His mother, Sharon predeceased him earlier this year. Besides his father whom he loved very much, he is survived by his wife of over 32 years Roxanne Rardin, his son Travis and his wife Courtney Rardin, and Ron’s sister Mary and husband Brian Winterbottom and their children and grandchildren, along with many other close family members and cherished friends.

Ronald Chase, affectionately called “RC” when he was growing up, loved being part of a military family and was the proud son of an Air Force Officer. No matter where the Rardin family setup house, his mother made a home for them with her delicious cooking especially her famous fried chicken, which Ron continually boasted about. At a young age, Ron began to display his natural ability with mechanics and his love for trains, both of which would become his life long passions.

Ron served his country in the Navy from October 1982 to April1987, during which time one of his assignments on the Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vincent was to track the ship’s OPTAR funds for several departments. After leaving the Navy, Ron was introduced to Roxanne by his best friend, her brother Ricardo Aiello. Ron and Roxanne’s common love for laughter and family drew them together. They were married in Edmeston, New York on September 8, 1990.

Ron and Roxanne were then blessed with the birth of their son, Travis Chase, named after his dad. Travis inherited his father’s talent with mechanics and they spent many hours working on the 1965 Mustang together. Ron was a proud dad and never could resist an opportunity to brag about Travis’ accomplishments.

Ron’s long-standing career with the United State Postal Service included a variety of roles ranging from customer service to automotive technician. However, Ron’s primary joy came from spending time with his family and valued friends. Ron and Roxanne spent much of their free time going to car shows, watching the fireworks at Six Flags and taking a memorable trip to Durango, Colorado for a train ride in the mountains. Ron also adored gathering for big meals and hosting holidays in their home, which by coincidence gave him the opportunity to show off his toy train around the Christmas tree or the latest car project in the garage.

Ron was always full of wit and laughter and never lacked a strong opinion about whatever topic was at hand. He was quick to jump in and lend a hand when family or friends needed help. The people in his life were his true treasure, which is what made him so endearing to every person’s life that he touched.

A service, honoring the joy and love that Ron brought into all of our lives will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 2:15 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Donations can be made to CAMP HOPE (camphopeusa.org), which supports veterans with PTSD.