OLATHE — Ronald David Hardten, 80, passed away peacefully, April 5, 2017, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. His last days were spent surrounded by his loving family.
Ron was born in Claflin on Dec. 1, 1936, to Fred and Naomi (Nagel) Hardten. He grew up in Claflin, active in church, band, choir, theater and basketball. He attended Claflin high school where he served as the class president and graduated in 1954.
He began attending the University of Kansas in 1954 where he became a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and served as the president of the Beta Gamma chapter. While visiting at the dormitory one evening, the front desk attendant Carol June Potter caught his eye and they soon began to date. Ron graduated with a bachelor degree in Architectural Engineering in 1958 and married Carol, the love of his life in 1959.
Mr. Hardten began working for Black & Veatch engineering firm when it was a young company and eventually advanced to be one of seven senior partners and served on the board of directors. He was employed by Black & Veatch for 36 years, and was a registered engineer in 34 states. After retiring from his engineering career, he owned a large travel agency until his full retirement in 2001. He and Carol enjoyed many wonderful trips, traveling nationally and internationally. He was an avid Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.
Ron has spent many years actively engaged in community organizations and served on several boards. He was involved in Rotary of Overland Park, Learning Exchange, United Way, and the Cerner Corporation. He was active in the Blue Valley Baptist church where he served as a deacon, on several committees and as assistant treasurer. The committee that was most dear to his heart was the 2:45 Team at Blue Valley Baptist Church. He felt extremely blessed to be able to serve in this capacity, helping and supporting individuals and families in times of need.
One of the greatest joys in his later days was spending time with his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as Pomp. The lessons of generosity, faith, hard work and play were taught by example. Even in times of hardship he treated others with kindness, gentleness and a forgiving nature. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of the home, Carol Hardten; his brother Gerald (Jan); children David Hardten (Christine), Lisa Hardten Corder (J.B.), and Michelle Hardten Lawson (Steve); and eight grandchildren, Evan, Courtney, Madison, Ty, Adeline, Sophia, Cory, and Luke; and his beloved dog Dori. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Naomi (Nagel) Hardten; and sister Reta Plowman; and brother- in-law Bill Plowman.
Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday at Blue Valley Baptist Church, 8925 W. 151st Street, Overland Park, where the family will greet friends and relatives. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Valley Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 9, 2017