Charles Francis " Corky" Lardner

Charles Francis “Corky” Lardner, 82, Topeka , died Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 after a ten year struggle with Parkinson disease. Corky was born June 11, 1929 in Topeka in the home his father built and where he lived his entire life. His parents were James Thomas and Catherine Marie Durkin Lardner. Corky was a life-long member of Holy Name (Mater Dei) Parish. He attended Holy Name Grade School and graduated from Hayden High School in 1947. On Nov. 24, 1984, Corky and W. Joan Olson were united in marriage, enjoying over 26 years together. He was a partner with his brother, Jim, in the family business, J.T. Lardner Cut Stone, founded by their father, James T. Lardner, in 1903. James ran the business until his death in 1965, when his sons became partners. Their business furnished the stone for many prominent Kansas buildings such as Fraser Hall and the Campanile Tower at KU and the Kansas Judicial Center . Corky was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 534 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly. He was a Boy Scout, chairman of the MTAA, West Topeka Kiwanis Club, and a member of Allied Stone Industries. He had a private pilot’s license and loved to fly. Corky loved animals, especially horses and dogs. His black Labrador , Jet, was his constant companion for many years. Survivors include his wife, Joan Lardner; sister, Mary Ellen “Susie” Hoferer; brother, Joseph “Buzz” Lardner; 13 nieces and nephews; 18 grand nieces and nephews; and eight great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Catherine “Kitty” Newton and his brother, James “Brother” Lardner. Mr. Lardner will lie in state and family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Mater Dei Holy Name Church where a vigil service will be prayed at 6 p.m. followed by family memories, a parish rosary and the Fourth Degree Chalice Ceremony. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tues. at the Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NE Kansas Parkinson Assoc. and/or the Charles Lardner Educational Fund at Mater Dei Grade School, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd , Topeka KS 66614 .

Charles Francis " Corky" Lardner

June 11, 1929 - September 26, 2011