Louis L. Rasner (1935–2019)

Louis L. “Louie” Rasner, 84, of Frankfort, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2019, at the home of his daughter, Annette. His family was by his side throughout his final days, and while they are deeply saddened by his passing, they remain profoundly grateful for his long and wonderful life.

Louie was born February 9, 1935, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, to Loronzo “Ranzy” and Iva Mae (Fish) Rasner. Though he was an excellent student and athlete, the crushing weight of the Great Depression forced him to leave school at a very early age. This early sacrifice led to a lifelong passion for encouraging his family to pursue higher education, often saying, "That is the one thing that can never be taken away from you."

Growing up on a farm in Kentucky was an impossibly hard childhood, defined by a firm, difficult father and a mother whose tireless dedication to her children made her, in Louie’s eyes, one of the greatest human beings to ever grace the earth. These hard lessons forged a tremendous work ethic that Louie later instilled in his own son and grandson.

At the tender age of 16, he left the family farm and essentially walked to Louisville to find itinerant work. Eventually, he made his way to Frankfort, Indiana. After working several difficult jobs, including a stint at Ingersoll-Rich Porcelain, he found a career that would define his life as a railroad engineer for the Nickel Plate Railroad.

Along this path, he met and married Mary K. Fugate on October 6, 1956. Their union endured until his passing and brought two children and two grandchildren into the world. In addition to his storied career on the railroad, Louie returned to his roots by moving his family to a small farm in rural Frankfort. There, he nearly single-handedly rebuilt a derelict house into a loving home, raising cattle, pigs, and row crops.

Louie was a unique man of great determination, a famously short fuse, and a huge, lovable sense of humor. He traveled the world with his wife and enjoyed many hunting trips across the U.S. He was highly devoted to ensuring his family was cared for and loved a good time with friends, highlighted by his annual Labor Day parties—monumental affairs celebrated by all.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Rev. David L. Rasner, JCL; his daughter, Annette Kaye Jervis; his grandchildren, Eric MD Bell and Emily AK Bell; his great-granddaughter, Evelyn Clare Bell; his brother, Dewey Lee Rasner; and his sister, Leabelle Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Junior, Hugh E., Donald, Billy Gene, Catherine Ronk, Dora Lee Clemons, Dorothy Pitchford, and infant twins Morris and Dorris.

Private services were held under the care of his grandson’s funeral home, Eric MD Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Pittsboro, Indiana. Louie was laid to rest in Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort, Indiana.