Norman Lavaughn Rash was peacefully reunited with the love of his life on March 17, 2026.
Norman was born on January 12, 1928, in LaPlata, Mo., to Harold Leroy Rash and Opal Bonnie Hall. Norman was preceded in death by his beautiful bride, Carol; his parents, Harold and Opal; and his two younger sisters. Norman lived a full life, and he learned at an early age that the only way to get anywhere in life is through hard work and sweat.
While entering the stage of young adulthood, he began his adult journey by enlisting in the United States Navy. Norman celebrated his 17th birthday while stationed in the Philippines during World War II. In November 1947, he received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy as a Water Tender Third Class. While back in the States, he began what was the start of a 31½-year career with Ball Corporation. Also during this time, he continued his service in the U.S. Navy Reserves as a Turret Gunner and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Upon completing his service, he received another honorable discharge in October 1952 as a Boiler Maker “Black Ganger.” Returning home, he continued his career at Ball Corporation. Through a mutual friend, he was introduced to the love of his life, Carol Rash. Blending their families together in their forever home blessed them with unique traditions and wonderful memories over 65 years together. After retiring from Ball Corporation, Norman worked as a maintenance engineer for Holiday Inn from 1980 to 1985. Never one to sit still, he later became the welcoming face at Wyandot Barbeque, where his kind demeanor and warm personality made everyone feel at home.
Norman is survived by his children: daughters Charlotte (Billy Boy) Shepard of Warrensburg, MO, and Sharon (Robert) Madrigal of Basehor, KS; and sons Richard (Deborah) Rash and Dennis (Debi) Rash, both of Olathe, KS; Robert (Bert) Rash and Norman Jr. (Yvonne) Rash, both of Shawnee Mission, KS.
He is also survived by 29 grandchildren: Richard L. Junior (Sara), Christopher (Marie), and Daniel Rash; Stacy (Ken) Murray; Sandy (Michael) Branson; Stephanie (Larry) Rohling; Shelby (Shane) Santner; Samantha (Cody) Williams; Amanda Rash; Andy Rash; Brian (Valerie) Shepard; Tina (Chris) Curnutt; Rick and Theresa Shepard; Jason Miller; Timothy Miller; Tina (Thomas) Hall; and Jacqueline (Chadwick) Bond.
Norman’s legacy continues through 38 great-grandchildren: Jada, Brooks, Claire, Cooper, Carter, and Kayden Rash; Brandon (Marisa); Erin, Alley, and Garrett Murray; Alyssa, Britney, and Kylee Magnusson; Lainey and Luke Rohling; Derek, Rick, Logan, Nathan, and Kylee Branson; Savannah, Zach, Aubrey, Reese, and Jacob Santner; Willow Williams; Kaleigh, Tayvan, and Malea Rash; Brenden and Ashtynn Shepard; Jake (Sadie) Shepard; Lauren (Dan) Stookey; Tristen Miller; Shyanne (Brady) Miller; Thomas (Andhi) Hall; Cassie Hall; and Jordan and Isabel Bond. He is further survived by four great-great-grandchildren: Everly and Easton Stookey, Ember Murray, and Atlas Michael Hall.
For more than 65 years, Norman was a husband, father, provider, and steady source of support for anyone in need. He and Carol raised their family in their cozy cottage in Merriam, KS, building a foundation of love, honesty, and acceptance. Norman often said there were kids everywhere—his, hers, theirs, and everyone else’s—and their home was always full of life, laughter, and unconditional love for both people and animals alike. In the early 1970s, they built a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, creating a cherished family getaway that eventually became their full-time residence. Their lives in Kansas City transitioned into peaceful lake living, where many treasured memories were made.
Norman leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, family, and tradition that touched all who knew him during his 98 years. While his passing brings sorrow, there is comfort in knowing he has been reunited with Carol, the love of his life.
A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Friday, March 27 at 2:00 PM at Reser Funeral Home, 101 Main Street, Warsaw, Missouri. Following the service, all are welcome to attend a scattering ceremony of Norman and Carol’s ashes at their lake home, where they so lovingly fed the critters.
