Rene M. Bardales

Rene Bardales, 94, was welcomed to his eternal heavenly home on Saturday, July 22, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many. Rene was born in La Paz, Bolivia on August 21, 1928. He was a miracle from his first breath as he was born prematurely.

As a young man, he was a rebel, didn’t believe in Christianity and would look for ways to cause trouble for anyone who was preaching the gospel. On one occasion he stopped in at a Christian church with the intention of disrupting the service, instead he heard the minister deliver a powerful message and decided that he needed to turn his life around. He then gave his heart to Christ, that began his journey into a life of service to God.

He studied in La Paz as a pre-med student with the intention of becoming a Doctor but felt God wanted him to get a good Christian education. He attended a Seminary in Frankfort, Indiana where he received his degree in Theology before heading back to Bolivia to start his missionary work.

As a young man he worked in the Immigration office and was introduced to Lois Durkee who had followed God’s calling to become a missionary. He was instrumental in assisting her obtain the required visa. They fell in love and were married on August 12, 1955, and began their life as missionaries. They desperately wanted to have a family and adopted their two daughters Ruth and Debbie.

They left Bolivia in 1964 and settled down in El Dorado Springs, where they both worked at Witt Printing Company for a few years. Lois also taught at Fort Scott Bible School. Even though they loved their life in the United States they felt that their place was on the mission field. They became missionaries in Ciudad Victoria, Mexico. From their home base they reached out to many ranches and brought the message of God to those who had never heard the gospel. Rene was the preacher, song evangelist and healer of hearts. He was instrumental in building several churches and coaching ministers to carry on the work. He often put his carpentry skills to work by building benches and pulpits for the churches. He became a mentor to many, in particular one young man by the name of Rafael. He spent many hours teaching him not only about the Bible but how to be an upstanding Christian man. His desire for Rafael was to see him succeed in life and become a Minister to his own people. Rafael did not disappoint!

Once they left Mexico, they settled in their little house in Kansas City, Kansas. Rene worked at Herald Banner Printing for many years. He was so proud of his work. His grandchildren would often visit, and he would of course show them off to his co-workers. They would then get a lesson on how to run the big printing presses and arm them with loads of paper for their art projects.

Again, even though he loved his work felt that God was calling him in a different direction. He knew from experience that there was a need for Sunday school lessons in Spanish. He decided that he would translate the lessons from English to Spanish as well as providing guidance on how to deliver the message effectively. He also wrote sermons in Spanish for the ministers. He enlisted the help of Lois to proofread and then proceeded to print, cut the lessons in 5x7 sizes, punch holes to fit in the black notebooks for distribution. He then packaged the materials and mailed them to ministers in many countries. Often he would place 100 dollar bills in the booklets for the ministers to find. He was very precise and meticulous in all aspects of his life and would accept nothing but perfection.

After the passing of Lois, the love of his life for 49 years, he married Viola Long. She was supportive and assisted him by assisting him in compiling the booklets.

When he decided to retire two years ago, his ministry had reached over 1200 ministers in 17 countries. Only God knows how many people were saved because he followed his passion to share the gospel of Christ.

His last project was to write his autobiography, which he completed a few months ago. To know Rene was to love him. His love of life and family was second only to his commitment to God and serving him. He will be remembered as a storyteller, and lover of football, soccer and basketball. He was an avid reader and well versed on almost any topic. He was always ready to challenge anyone to a game of chess, especially his grandsons.

He had a magnetic personality and made everyone feel important. He was quick witted and had a talent for making people laugh. Mentoring and giving of himself was a priority. He always saw the potential in people and made them better for having known him. Simply put, he had a huge kind heart and would give you the shirt off his back. He was so generous, often opening his wallet and handing out cash to the grandkids. He always made sure his daughters were cared for and prayed for them daily. His wish for his family is to meet him in heaven someday.

He will be missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing this amazing man. Heaven gained a man who gave his all or as he would say who left it all out on the field.

Rene is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, three sisters, and his wives, Lois and Viola. He will be dearly missed by his two daughters, Ruth Stephenson and husband, Gary, and Debbie Bridge and husband, Mark; seven grandchildren and their wives, Michael, Trevor (Erin), Shane (Megan), Jared (Raven), Ashley

(Tony), Jenni, and Alexander; and 10 great grandchildren, Madelyn, Grady, Parker, Kennedy, Cheyanne, Charlotte, Jaxson, Haylee, Maverick and Ferris.

A visitation for Rene will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by his funeral service at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 31, 2023 at the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness), 6801 W. 74th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66204. His committal service will immediately follow in Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, 23215 W. 75th Street, Shawnee, Kansas 66227.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Bardales family.